Merck KGaA names three internal senior executives

Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has appointed three new members to its executive board, which it says is a natural evolution in the company’s leadership as it continues to implement its growth strategy.

Jean-Charles Wirth, who currently heads Science & Lab Solutions within Merck's Life Science business sector, will become chief executive (CEO) Life Science as of June 1, 2025. He succeeds Matthias Heinzel, who has successfully set the Life Science business sector on a sustainable growth path during the extremely challenging phases of the pandemic. He has decided to not renew his contract with the company to serve on the boards of public companies and to pursue his interest in private equity.

Danny Bar-Zohar, currently global head of R&D and chief medical officer of the Healthcare business sector, will take on the position of CEO Healthcare, as of June 1, 2025. He succeeds Peter Guenter, who has decided to retire from Merck after a successful career spanning almost 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Peter Guenter will continue to serve on the boards of public companies and pursue further opportunities in private equity.