GlaxoSmithKline will "diversify and derisk" the company to help provide strong fuel share price growth combined with and give investors fewer "nasty surprises", according to the new chief executive of Britain's biggest drugs company.

Andrew Witty, who succeeded JP Garnier at the helm of GSK last month, will step up the group's emphasis on vaccines, non-prescription goods and sales in emerging markets, as he focuses efforts on convincing investors the drugs group should trade at a premium to its rivals.