Merck

Dr. Julie Gerberding has been named president of Merck Vaccines, effective January 25, 2010. Dr. Gerberding led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as director from 2002 to 2009. During her tenure at CDC, she led the agency during more than 40 emergency response initiatives for health crises including anthrax bioterrorism, food-borne disease outbreaks, and natural disasters, and advised governments around the world on urgent public health issues such as SARS, AIDS, and obesity.

“Vaccines are a cornerstone of Merck’s commitment to health and wellness,” said Richard T. Clark, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck & Co., Inc. “We are delighted to welcome an expert of Dr. Gerberding’s caliber to Merck. As a preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines, Dr. Gerberding is the ideal choice to lead Merck’s engagement with organizations around the world that share our commitment to the use of vaccines to prevent disease and save lives.”

Dr. Gerberding will lead the company’s $5 billion global vaccine business. She will also collaborate with leaders of Merck Manufacturing Division and Merck Research Laboratories to manage the critical linkages between basic research, late-stage development and manufacturing to expand Merck’s vaccine offerings throughout the world.