Merck Sharpe and Dohme appoints executive vice-president

Merck Sharp and Dohme has appointed Bridgette Heller as its new executive vice-president, a role which will see her replace the outgoing Stanley Barshay.

Ms Heller, who most recently served as president of Johnson and Johnson’s baby global business unit, will also become the president of Merck’s consumer healthcare division.

This role will see her take charge of managing and expanding a number of the company’s key consumer brands, such as Afrin, Claritin, Lotrimin and Coppertone.

Her appointment paves the way for the retirement of Mr Barchay, who had previously delayed the date of his departure from Merck in order to oversee the recent merger with Schering-Plough.

Richard Clark, Merck’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: “Bridgette has an impressive track record of leading multi-billion dollar businesses, as well as exceptional marketing acumen, both of which will serve her well in leading growth initiatives for Merck’s consumer business.”

Last month, the healthcare firm was granted permission by the European Commission to market its fertility treatment Elonva, based on positive results from clinical trials.