Leadership Shakeup in China: Merck, GSK and Other Multinational Pharma Firms Announce Executive Changes in December

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry DynamicsIn 2025, there were frequent changes in senior executives in the pharmaceuticals industry both in China and internationally. The changes were particularly concentrated in the China region. Since December, several multinational pharmaceutical companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, and GSK have announced changes in their core leadership in China (including China Presidents/General Managers, Greater China heads, and key business leaders).
 

On December 10, Boehringer Ingelheim announced that Dr. Ioannis Sapountzis will assume the role of Head of Greater China starting March 1, 2026. The current head, Hao Ting Gao, will be transferred to lead the Emerging Markets division of the Human Pharma Business Unit. This adjustment aims to promote the independent development of the Greater China region, accelerate business growth, and integrate the Chinese perspective into the core of the global strategy.
 

It is reported that, in order to fully unleash Boehringer Ingelheim's potential in China, the company will optimize the global regional market layout by separating Greater China from the Emerging Markets region of the Human Pharma Business Unit. The Greater China region will report directly to the head of the global regional markets of the Human Pharma Business Unit. The head of the Greater China region will become a member of the Global Executive Committee of the Human Pharma Business, so as to directly incorporate China’s insights and strategic perspectives into the company’s decision-making core, driving a new round of growth.
 

On December 2, Merck announced that Marc Horn, the current President of Merck China, will return to Germany for family reasons. Rogier Janssens will officially assume the position of President of Merck China starting from February 1, 2026. In addition, Rogier Janssens will also serve as the head of Merck Life Science China starting from January 1, 2026.
 

Mr. Roger Ren once led Merck's healthcare business in China from 2017 to 2022. Upon his return to China for this new role, he will continue to guide the team in implementing Merck's vision in China, accelerate cross-business and cross-functional collaboration, and drive sustainable growth.
 

On December 1, Han Ting officially joined Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, taking on the role of Head of Neuroscience and Rare Disease Products Division, and becoming a member of the Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine China Management Team.
 

Public information shows that Han Ting has over a decade of work experience in the pharmaceuticals industry. In September 2011, after joining Eli Lilly China, she started as a pharmaceutical sales representative in the diabetes field and subsequently took on roles such as brand lead, senior regional manager, and head of strategy and operations, covering multiple therapeutic areas including diabetes, oncology, cardiovascular, and neuroscience. In June 2023, Han Ting joined MSD China, taking on the role of Head of Product Lifecycle Management.
 

December 1, GSK China announced that Sheng Feng has joined GSK China as Vice President and Head of Market Access & Commercial Operations (MACO). He will report directly to Vivian Yu, Vice President and General Manager of GSK China, and join the China Leadership Team (CLT). Prior to joining GSK, Sheng Feng served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Market Access at Everest Medicines. Additionally, he has over 20 years of experience working at companies such as Gilead Sciences and Roche Pharmaceuticals.
 

Notably, GSK China has undergone several rounds of senior management adjustments this year. In April 2025, GSK established the position of "Chief Operating Officer (COO)" in China, appointing Maurizio Borgatta, then General Manager of Korea, to join the leadership team in China. In July, Yuexiong Ke was appointed as Vice President of GSK China and Head of the Medical Affairs Department.
 

　　Disclaimer: In no event shall the information or opinions expressed in this article constitute investment advice to any person.