MSD Animal Health appoints new president

MSD Animal Health is to welcome Richard DeLuca Jr as its new president from September 15th 2011 onwards.

Parent company Merck Sharpe and Dohme has named Mr DeLuca as its new executive vice-president as well as placing him in charge of its veterinary medicines business, known until recently as Intervet/Schering-Plough.

The new president was the former chief financial officer at healthcare company BD Biosciences, while he also served as president of the Fort Dodge Animal Health unit when employed by Wyeth.

"I look forward to working with the talented managers and employees in ensuring that the division is a best-in-class global animal health leader," Mr DeLuca said.

He will succeed Raul Kohan, who has made the decision to retire from MSD Animal Health, although he will remain with the business until the end of 2011 to aid the transition process.

Mr Kohan played a key role in overseeing the merger between Intervet and Schering-Plough and was set to lead the company during its planned combination with Merial, which has since been abandoned.