GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced CEO Emma Walmsley's departure effective December 31, transitioning leadership to Chief Commercial Officer Luke Miels on January 1. Walmsley’s nine-year tenure transformed GSK’s strategic focus but was met with mixed investor reactions. The CEO change highlights ongoing challenges in big pharma leadership and market positioning. Concurrently, AstraZeneca prepares a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange, indicating shifting priorities in global life sciences markets.