He replaces Zubair Ahmed who takes over as the Non- Executive Chairman of India Board, the company said in a statement.
As Regional Head of Asia Pacific, a geography composed of 23 countries, Lanzi will report to the company's CEO Brian McNamara and has also become a member of the consumer healthcare strategic leadership team as well as the GSK Singapore Country Board.
Commenting on the appointment, McNamara said: "His (Lanzi) people-focused leadership style and proven track record of growing categories and transforming businesses are exactly what we need to win."