GlaxoSmithKline sacks US vaccine programme boss over sexual harassment allegations
A GlaxoSmithKline executive who was poached to run the US vaccines programme has been fired by the British company over sexual harassment allegations.
Moncef Slaoui, 61, is accused of ‘wholly inappropriate’ behaviour towards a female employee while at GSK, where he was the research and development boss until 2017 and then chairman of GSK subsidiary Galvani Bioelectronics.
He remained in this role even after he was hired to lead former US president Donald Trump’s ‘Operation Warp Speed’ last year.
Glaxosmithkline executive Moncef Slaoui, 61, is accused of ‘wholly inappropriate’ behaviour towards a female employee
But GSK has sacked Slaoui from Galvani after a probe by a law firm backed up the harassment claims.
It is also reviewing stock options awarded to him that were worth a reported £7million last year.
GSK boss Emma Walmsley said: ‘Dr Slaoui’s behaviours represent an abuse of his position,’ adding: ‘Protecting the woman who came forward and her privacy has been a critical priority.
‘This will continue. I respect and admire her courage and strength.
‘We are in an age of progress with a female chief executive, growing ranks of female leaders, new commitments to diverse representation, and a culture that values speaking up. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.’
Slaoui resigned from the US vaccine programme in January, but has recently advised the EU on its jabs rollout. He could not be reached for comment.