Merck announces replacement for retiring Roy Baynes as GCD

US pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) today announced today that Dr Roy Baynes, head of global clinical development (GCD) and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories (MRL), will be retiring from Merck in July.

Dr Baynes will be succeeded by Dr Eliav Barr, effective April 1, 2022. Dr Baynes will continue to report to Dr Dean Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories, until his retirement.

“Roy is one of the world’s pre-eminent oncologists and clinical development experts, and his masterful spearheading of the development of Keytruda leaves an indelible mark on Merck, on oncology and on the lives of patients and their families. As textbooks are updated to reflect the era of immuno-oncology, Roy’s contributions cannot be overstated, and will persist far beyond his eight years with Merck,” said Dr Li, adding: “I know there are many who join me in thanking Roy for his efforts and wishing him well in his next chapter.”