Merck announced that Joseph Romanelli will lead Human Health International, and join Merck’s Executive Team, effective August 1, 2022. He will report directly to Robert M. Davis, chief executive officer and president, Merck. As previously announced, Arpa Garay leads Human Health Global Marketing, and Jannie Oosthuizen leads Human Health U.S., both also reporting to Davis.

“Joe’s remarkable track record of driving growth, unwavering commitment to keep patients at the center, deep knowledge of the global competitive landscape and passion for Merck’s purpose to save and improve lives make him the ideal leader for our growing and expansive international Human Health business,” said Davis. “I’m excited to welcome Joe back to Merck, and I am confident that our company and stakeholders will greatly benefit from his leadership, delivery and contributions.”

In this role, Romanelli will have P&L responsibility for Merck’s US $22 billion international human health business and lead a team of 14,000 colleagues in more than 75 markets outside of the U.S.

Romanelli returns to Merck after serving as chief executive officer of JiXing Pharmaceuticals, a China-based biopharmaceutical company, since 2021. From 2016 through 2021, Romanelli led Merck’s business in China, based in Shanghai. During his tenure, Merck was one of the fastest growing multinational pharmaceutical businesses in China and China became Merck’s second-largest market. Romanelli joined Merck in 1996 and served in a variety of strategic and operational roles with increasing responsibility and scope. Romanelli received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his Master’s in Business Administration from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Management.