Ron Krall, who found himself in the thick of controversy last year when Glaxo’s Avandia diabetes pill was linked to a high rate of heart attack and strokes, is leaving the drugmaker, a spokeswoman confirms. In a note, she tells us that Krall is retiring, although “the timing will depend on identifying his successor,” who he is helping to identify.

Krall, 60, was promoted two years ago to senior vp and chief medical officer, which meant he’s overseen medical affairs, clinical safety, pharmacovigilance, and related regulatory affairs including compliance. He also chaired a global safety board. Before that, he was a senior vp for worldwide drug development. He joined Glaxo in 2003 from AstraZeneca, and worked previously for Abbott Labs and Lorex Pharmaceuticals.

His impending departure occurs just as Andrew Witty gets set to succeed JP Garnier as Glaxo ceo in May.