GlaxoSmithKline's chief executive has extended his term at the head of Europe's biggest pharmaceutical company.
Jean-Pierre Garnier had been due to step down in October 2007, when he turns 60, but will now stay on until May 2008.
Garnier took charge of the company following the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham that created it in 2000.
Some industry analysts had expressed concern at his planned departure in just over a year's time, since Glaxo is in the midst of a period of major change as it prepares to roll out a raft of new products.
Garnier said the next two years were a very important period, with many significant filings and launches of new medicines and vaccines and he was proud to stay on to see key projects reach fruition.
Chairman Chris Gent said the extension would help maintain momentum for Glaxo and enable the board to complete the process of appointing a successor.
Mr Garnier and Mr Gent will hammer home the message that Glaxo will not be deterred by animal-rights extremists from conducting drug research in Britain when they address the firm's annual shareholders' meeting later in the day, company officials said.