Leadership Shift at Merck KGaA: New CEOs for Life Science and Healthcare Announced

• Merck KGaA has appointed Jean-Charles Wirth as CEO Life Science and Danny Bar-Zohar as CEO Healthcare, effective June 1, 2025, succeeding Matthias Heinzel and Peter Guenter.

• Khadija Ben Hammada will join the Executive Board as Chief People Officer on March 1, 2025, expanding the board to six members.

Merck KGaA has appointed three new members to its Executive Board, marking a significant leadership transition as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Jean-Charles Wirth, Danny Bar-Zohar, and Khadija Ben Hammada will assume their new roles in 2025, ensuring continuity and strategic oversight across Merck’s business sectors.

Jean-Charles Wirth, currently head of Science & Lab Solutions within Merck’s Life Science division, will step into the role of CEO Life Science from June 1, 2025. He will succeed Matthias Heinzel, who led the division through challenging market conditions and has opted not to renew his contract. Heinzel will transition to board roles in public companies and private equity ventures. Wirth has been with Merck since 2006 and brings extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and multinational leadership.

Danny Bar-Zohar, currently Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of Merck’s Healthcare division, will assume the position of CEO Healthcare on the same date. He succeeds Peter Guenter, who is retiring after nearly 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Bar-Zohar has played a pivotal role in reshaping Merck’s R&D approach, emphasising a “drug-hunter mindset” and overseeing multiple global therapeutic approvals.

Khadija Ben Hammada, Merck’s current Chief Human Resources Officer, will join the Executive Board as Chief People Officer on March 1, 2025. Her expanded role will include oversight of Corporate Sustainability, Quality & Trade Compliance, Inhouse Consulting, and Site Management at Merck’s headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Her appointment increases the Executive Board to six members, underlining the company’s focus on talent development and long-term resilience.

Johannes Baillou, Chairman of the Executive Board and Family Board of E. Merck KG, expressed appreciation for the outgoing executives and welcomed the new appointees. “We warmly welcome Jean-Charles Wirth, Danny Bar-Zohar, and Khadija Ben Hammada to the Executive Board. They bring deep expertise, strong leadership, and an innovative outlook that will further enrich our company.”