Glaxosmithkline said on Wednesday it had hired Goldman Sachs investment banker Simon Dingemans to succeed Chief Financial Officer Julian Heslop, 59, who will retire next March.

Dingemans has more than 25 years experience in investment banking and most recently led Goldman Sachs' european M&A business, Britain's largest drugmaker said.

Chief Executive Andrew Witty said the appointment reflected the need for Glaxosmithkline to operate with both creativity and continued financial discipline. "Simon will bring valuable experience and capability to support us in our strategy to grow and diversify GSK's business through organic means and bolt-on acquisitions," he said.