Switzerland, July 2026 — GSK has appointed Nikita Popov as Senior Vice President, R&D Technology Transformation and Operations. In his new role, he joins the GSK R&D Leadership Team, where he will lead technology transformation, digital operations, data strategy, and AI-enabled innovation across the company’s global research and development organization.
Announcing his appointment, Nikita shared his enthusiasm for joining GSK at a pivotal moment for the pharmaceutical industry, stating that he feels privileged to join Tony Wood , Chief Scientific Officer, R&D and the GSK R&D leadership team at a time when technology, data, and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly central to accelerating scientific discovery and transforming research and development.
Nikita brings more than two decades of experience spanning technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, strategy consulting, and software engineering. Prior to joining GSK, he spent over seven years at Novartis, where he played a central role in shaping the company’s digital transformation journey. Most recently, he served as Head of AI Strategy Office, leading enterprise-wide AI strategy, governance, and adoption initiatives while helping integrate artificial intelligence into research, development, and business operations.
Earlier at Novartis, he served as Strategy Advisor to the Chief Digital Officer, supporting the company’s global digital transformation strategy, portfolio management, innovation initiatives, and digital operating model. During this period, he helped establish global digital communities, led enterprise transformation programs, and supported the execution of strategic technology initiatives across the organization.
Before Novartis, Nikita spent eight years with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he rose to the position of Senior Project Leader. He advised Fortune 500 companies across Europe and Russia on large-scale digital transformation, AI strategy, operating model redesign, agile transformation, advanced analytics, supply chain optimization, and operational excellence. His consulting work delivered significant business value across industries, including healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, and logistics.
Earlier in his career, Nikita worked as a Logistics Manager at Transexport Maritime, where he established new business operations while developing internal software solutions to automate business processes. He began his professional journey as a .NET Software Developer at Total Objects, building enterprise software and ERP solutions for international clients.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Nikita serves as an Advisory Board Member at Writer, contributing strategic guidance on enterprise AI and emerging technologies.
His appointment underscores GSK’s continued investment in leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced data platforms, and digital technologies to accelerate scientific innovation, improve research productivity, and strengthen its global R&D capabilities.
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to preventing and treating disease through specialty medicines, vaccines, and general medicines. With a history dating back to 1715, GSK today employs more than 65,000 people worldwide and focuses its research and development efforts across respiratory, immunology and inflammation, oncology, HIV, and infectious diseases.
Driven by its purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together, GSK aims to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade through scientific innovation, digital transformation, and patient-centered healthcare solutions.
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