Merck Restructures Human Health Business, Appoints New Leaders To Drive Oncology And Speciality Growth

Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) has announced a restructuring of its Human Health organization to strengthen commercial execution across its expanding portfolio. The company is aligning its structure to support upcoming product launches in multiple therapeutic areas and to sustain long-term growth.

Under the new model, Merck’s Human Health division will be organized into two dedicated units: an Oncology Business Unit and a Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit. The revised structure is designed to reinforce Merck’s leadership in oncology while sharpening focus on a growing and increasingly diversified pipeline across specialty and infectious disease markets.

“I am honored to join Merck at such an important moment in its journey,” said Foard. “Merck has a remarkable legacy of scientific leadership and a clear ambition to shape the future of medicine. Its commitment to patients, the strength of its pipeline, and the caliber of its people are truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the teams across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases to advance innovative solutions for patients and help unlock the next phase of growth for the company.”

As part of the transition, Jannie Oosthuizen has been appointed executive vice president and president, Oncology and MSD International. He previously served as senior vice president and president of Merck Human Health U.S., overseeing strategy, commercialization, and P&L operations in the U.S. Oosthuizen brings extensive global oncology marketing experience and will report directly to Robert M. Davis, chairman and CEO.

“Merck is pleased to welcome Brian Foard, an experienced executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership across specialty biopharma and commercial execution,” said Davis. “As we advance our pipeline and drive commercial success across an increasingly diversified portfolio, including a growing pipeline across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, we are sharpening our focus on delivering innovative medicines for patients and creating long‑term value for our stakeholders.”

Brian Foard will join Merck as executive vice president and president, Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, effective March 2. Most recently, Foard led the Specialty Care Business Unit at Sanofi, managing a broad portfolio across immunology, neurology, oncology, and rare diseases. Prior to Sanofi, he spent nearly two decades at Galderma in roles of increasing global responsibility. Both Foard and Oosthuizen will serve on Merck’s executive team.

Additionally, Chirfi Guindo has been appointed executive vice president, Strategic Access, Policy & Communications. This integrated organization will combine access, policy, communications, and sustainability functions to strengthen stakeholder engagement and strategic alignment globally. Merck currently has around 80 Phase III studies underway and anticipates more than 20 new growth drivers in the coming years, most with potential blockbuster status, positioning the company for sustained commercial momentum.