GlaxoSmithKline, today, announced that it is restructuring its US pharmaceutical sales organization. The plan will include elimination of 1,800 sales rep positions by year end. The cuts will affect approximately 1,000 employees and an undetermined number of support staff.

A spokesperson told Pharm Exec that some reps will be moved to the company’s expanding vaccine sales group. Additionally, GSK will be designating its North Carolina location as its sole headquarters.

While some pharma companies are moving to a geographic sales structure, GSK chose to reorganize reps by therapeutic areas. “In the past, some of our teams were organized by where they reported to, whether it be Philadelphia or Research Triangle Park,” GSK spokesperson Mary Anne Rhyne told Pharm Exec. “Geography is still a concern in terms of making sure that reps are in the right places in the country, but we think this plan will allow us to provide healthcare professionals with more of the specialized information that they are looking for.” (more…)

Promotions and hires for September 26, 2008:

• Merck named Barry J. Goldstein, M.D., vice president of clinical development for diabetes and obesity

• Sanofi-Aventis announced that Chris Viehbacher will succeed current CEO Gerard Le Fur in December

• GlaxoSmithKline named Ellen Strahlman chief medical officer

• Questcor Pharmaceuticals appointed Gary Sawka CFO

• Encorium appointed David Ginsberg president and CEO

• Wyeth named Daniel J. McIntyre vice president, corporate communications

• Genesis Pharmaceuticals appointed John Yang Wang to its board of directors

• Zosano Pharma appointed Gail Schulze chair and CEO

• Lilly named John Lechleiter its board of directors chairman

• Merz Pharmaceuticals named Jack Britts president and CEO

• Ferring Pharmaceuticals appointed Paul Korner, M.D., vice president, medical affairs

• Zafgen appointed Thomas Hughes the company’s first CEO