FORMER Vodafone boss Sir Christopher Gent has been named by drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline as successor to chairman Sir Christopher Hogg.

The 56-year-old will join the board of the Anglo-American group as deputy chairman before stepping up to the top post next year.

Sir Christopher will earn £400,000 and £100,000 in shares annually for his part-time role. He will work alongside chief executive Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier.