This month marks the anniversary of Andrew Witty's naming as chief executive of GSK after a three-way contest against colleagues that saw them openly pitted against each other by old boss Jean-Paul Garnier . Two years on, Witty's rivals have left: pharmaceuticals head David Stout quit and US chief Chris Viehbacherwent to run Sanofi-Aventis.

The GSK share price has performed roughly in line with the market, at £12.51 against £12.80 when he was anointed. As a method of succession planning, it seems the jury is still out.