Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced that Adam H. Schechter, president of Global Human Health, is stepping down from his current position as of December 31, and shifting to an advisory capacity.
The move is part of a company plan to reshape its commercial organization, which will create two new executive committee roles, according to Merck. Frank Clyburn has been promoted to chief commercial officer and Michael Nally has been promoted to chief marketing officer, both effective January 1.
Schechter, who joined the company 30 years ago, has been the president of Global Human Health since 2010. In addition to his work in Merck’s commercial organization, he led the integration of Merck and Schering-Plough Corp. followiing the $41 billion merger in 2009.
Clyburn, who joined Merck in 2008, has held a number of leadership positions across the company. Most recently, he served as president of the Global Oncology business. In his new role, Clyburn will report directly to Ken Frazier, chairman and CEO, and will be a member of the executive committee. He will be responsible for all operations and P&L across Merck’s human health commercial portfolio globally. Over the years he has had responsibility for several global pharmaceutical franchises, including diabetes, cardiovascular, and women’s health, as well as leadership of marketing and sales teams.
Nally, who has been at Merck since 2003, most recently led the company’s Vaccines business. He, too, will report directly to Frazier and will be a member of the executive committee. Nally will be responsible for global marketing and long-term franchise strategy across the portfolio. He has served in a number of roles, including managing director of U.K., Ireland, and Sweden, and in commercial operations, business development, and investor relations.
(Source: Merck & Co., Inc.)
