Merck Serono to appoint new comms head

Merck Serono has confirmed it is set to appoint a new head of communications as a result of the departure of Stefanie Lauber to fragrance company Givaudan.

Ms Lauber began overseeing Givuadan's corporate comms at the start of this year after spending five years in the role for Merck Serono.

A spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company confirmed the search for her replacement has started, according to The Holmes Report.

Ms Lauber had worked for almost 13 years in total with Serono, joining the company in 1999 before moving into its top communications role after its 2006 acquisition by Merck KGaA.

At the end of 2011, Merck Serono had 16,867 employees in bases all over the world, with its products having been commercialised in 150 countries.

It is the largest division within the Merck KGaA group and is led from its parent company's global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.