Merck

Merck has made several senior management changes. Richard T. Clark, currently chairman, chief executive officer and president, will continue leading the company. Kenneth C. Frazier, currently president of the company’s Global Human Health worldwide sales and marketing division, was elected company president, reporting to Mr. Clark. Also, Adam H. Schechter, who currently leads the company’s pharmaceutical business in the U.S., was elected to succeed Mr. Frazier as president of Global Human Health.

As company president, Mr. Frazier will lead Merck’s three largest divisions responsible for pharmaceutical and vaccine sales and marketing, R&D, and manufacturing and supply. He will ensure the effective collaboration among these global divisions, which is critical to the success of the Merck/Schering-Plough merger and long-term performance. Also reporting to Mr. Frazier will be Willie A. Deese, president of Merck Manufacturing Division and Peter S. Kim, president of Merck Research Labs.

“Ken is a proven leader with deep knowledge about our company and the industry who has real passion for Merck’s role in saving and improving lives through scientific innovation,” said Mr. Clark. “Merck’s board and I have the utmost confidence in Ken’s ability to help navigate Merck during a time of unprecedented change and enormous opportunity in the global health care industry.”

“I am honored to be asked to help our chairman and chief executive officer position Merck for success in the future,” said Mr. Frazier. “Under Dick Clark’s leadership, the new Merck has gotten off to a strong start, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Dick and my senior management colleagues to help ensure that we continue to meet the needs of patients and build shareholder value.”

Mr. Schechter will serve as president of the company’s Global Human Health division. He currently leads the unit’s U.S. market. Since joining the company as a sales representative in 1988, Mr. Schechter has held a number of senior leadership positions including responsibility for Merck’s global pharmaceutical franchises and general manager of the Merck/Schering-Plough cholesterol joint venture.

“Adam’s talent and experience make him the ideal choice to lead our worldwide sales and marketing business for pharmaceutical medicines and vaccines,” said Mr. Clark. “He knows the business from the ground up and has a strong record of performance, most recently leading our overall merger integration, and also directing marketing and sales operations and global product franchises for our Global Human Health business. I know we can count on Adam to help Merck deliver against our ambitious goals.”