Merck Announces Restructuring of Human Health Business into Oncology and Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Divisions

Recently, Merck & Co. announced adjustments to the organizational structure of its Human Health business, dividing it into an Oncology Business Unit and a Specialty Medicines, General Medicines, and Infectious Diseases Business Unit.

Merck & Co. stated that this structure will enable the company to maintain its long-standing leadership in oncology while remaining highly focused on the growing number of product launches within its increasingly broad and diversified portfolio.

To align with the new organizational structure of its Human Health business, Jannie Oosthuizen has been appointed Executive Vice President and President of Oncology and MSD International. Previously, Ms. Oosthuizen served as Senior Vice President and President of Merck & Co.’s Human Health business in the United States, where she was responsible for overseeing profit and loss, strategic planning, and commercialization of Merck’s product portfolio in the U.S.

In addition, Brian Foard will join the company on March 2 as Executive Vice President and President of Specialty Care, General Medicines, and Infectious Diseases. Previously, Mr. Foard served as Executive Vice President and Head of Sanofi’s Specialty Care business unit, where he oversaw a diversified portfolio spanning immunology, neurology, oncology, and rare diseases. Prior to joining Sanofi, Mr. Foard spent nearly two decades at Galderma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company focused on dermatological treatments, holding positions of increasing responsibility in the United States and globally.

Oosthuizen and Foard will both report to Robert M. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Co., Inc. (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), and will become members of the company’s Executive Team.