Merck, known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, is restructuring its Human Health organization and appointing three new leaders.

How Human Health Business is Dividing

The Human Health business is evolving into two business units: one, Oncology, and the other, Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases.

Jannie Oosthuizen is being appointed Executive Vice President as well as President, Oncology and MSD International. Brian Foard is also joining the company as Executive Vice President, and President, Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases.

Oosthuizen most recently served as Senior Vice President and President, Merck Human Health U.S.

Meanwhile, Foard’s appointment is not effective until March 2, 2026. He is joining Merck from Sanofi, where he was Executive Vice President and head of Sanofi’s Specialty Care Business Unit.

Additionally, Chirfi Guindo is appointed Executive Vice President, Strategic Access, Policy & Communications. Guindo previously served Merck as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Reactions to Merck Leadership Appointments

As for Foard and Oosthuizen, they will both report to Robert M. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 

“Merck is pleased to welcome Brian Foard, an experienced executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership,” said Davis.

Davis said Merck is focusing on advancing its pipeline “across an increasingly diversified portfolio.”

“I am honored to join Merck at such an important moment in its journey,” Foard said. “I look forward to working with the teams across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases to advance innovative solutions for patients.”

More on Merck’s Future Plans

The restructuring of the Human Health business, according to Merck, enables the company to sustain long-term leadership in oncology.

Merck said it has a growing number of launches across its portfolio. These include, currently, approximately 80 Phase III studies. In the next several years, the company expects more than 20 additional new growth drivers.