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Merck KGaA to replace two executives with company veterans

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 18, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 26, 2026

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Executives of Merck KGaA appointed for leadership roles in pharmaceuticals and life sciences - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image illustrates the new leadership appointments at Merck KGaA, highlighting Jean-Charles Wirth and Danny Bar-Zohar as they assume roles in the company's pharmaceuticals and life sciences divisions, reflecting strategic changes in the banking and finance sector.
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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's Merck KGaA said on Tuesday its lab equipment division and its pharmaceuticals division would be under new leadership from June but it added that its strategy remains

Merck KGaA Appoints New Leaders for Lab and Pharmaceuticals Divisions

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Germany's Merck KGaA said on Tuesday its lab equipment division and its pharmaceuticals division would be under new leadership from June but it added that its strategy remains unchanged.

Jean-Charles Wirth is to become the CEO of the Life Science unit, a maker of gear and supplies for biotech labs, succeeding Matthias Heinzel, who has decided to not renew his contract.

Wirth currently heads the Science & Lab Solutions subunit within Life Science, the company said in a statement.

Danny Bar-Zohar, currently the head of drug research and development, will become CEO of the pharmaceuticals division, succeeding Peter Guenter, who has decided to retire from Merck, it added.

In addition, Khadija Ben Hammada will assume the newly created role of Chief People Officer on March 1, as Merck adds a sixth executive board seat.

She currently holds the title of Chief Human Resources Officer and will take on additional responsibilities in areas such as sustainability, compliance and site management of the headquarters in Darmstadt.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Rachel More)

Key Takeaways

  • Merck KGaA appoints new CEOs for lab and pharmaceuticals divisions.
  • Jean-Charles Wirth to lead the Life Science unit.
  • Danny Bar-Zohar becomes CEO of pharmaceuticals division.
  • Khadija Ben Hammada takes on new role as Chief People Officer.
  • Merck's strategic direction remains unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will lead the Life Science unit at Merck KGaA?
Jean-Charles Wirth will become the CEO of the Life Science unit, succeeding Matthias Heinzel.
What changes are happening in Merck KGaA's pharmaceuticals division?
Danny Bar-Zohar will take over as CEO of the pharmaceuticals division, succeeding Peter Guenter, who is retiring.
What new role is being created at Merck KGaA?
Khadija Ben Hammada will assume the newly created role of Chief People Officer on March 1.
What responsibilities will Khadija Ben Hammada have?
She will take on additional responsibilities in sustainability, compliance, and site management of the headquarters.
When will the new leadership take effect?
The new leadership for the lab equipment and pharmaceuticals divisions will be effective from June.

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