Merck announced a strategic restructuring of its Human Health division today. The company is dividing the organization into two distinct business units to optimize the commercial rollout of its diverse pipeline.

As part of an evolutionary shift, Merck is restructuring its Human Health business into two specialized units: Oncology and Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases. This strategic realignment aims to secure long-term oncology leadership while providing focused support for an expanding portfolio and a high volume of new product launches.

To advance the new Human Health Business Unit structure, Jannie Oosthuizen has been named executive vice president and president of Oncology and MSD International. Previously, as president of Merck Human Health U.S., Oosthuizen managed the U.S. portfolio’s strategy, commercialization, and P&L. He brings a proven track record of delivering commercial success and deep marketing expertise to oncology markets worldwide.

In addition, Brian Foard will join the company as executive vice president and president, Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, effective March 2. Foard most recently served as executive vice president and head of Specialty Care Business Unit at Sanofi. In this role, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of products spanning immunology, neurology, oncology and rare diseases. Before joining Sanofi, Foard spent almost two decades with Galderma, a Swiss pharmaceutical company that specializes in dermatological treatments, serving in roles of increasing responsibility in the U.S. and globally.

Foard and Oosthuizen will both report to Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, and serve as members of the company’s executive team.

“Merck is pleased to welcome Brian Foard, an experienced executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership across specialty biopharma and commercial execution,” said Davis. “As we advance our pipeline and drive commercial success across an increasingly diversified portfolio, including a growing pipeline across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, we are sharpening our focus on delivering innovative medicines for patients and creating long‑term value for our stakeholders.”

This new structure will position the company to harness the potential of its broad and increasingly diversified late‑stage pipeline to continue delivering for patients. Merck is currently conducting approximately 80 Phase 3 studies, and the company expects more than 20 new growth drivers over next several years, almost all with blockbuster potential.

“I am honored to join Merck at such an important moment in its journey,” said Foard. “Merck has a remarkable legacy of scientific leadership and a clear ambition to shape the future of medicine. Its commitment to patients, the strength of its pipeline, and the caliber of its people are truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the teams across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases to advance innovative solutions for patients and help unlock the next phase of growth for the company.”

Chirfi Guindo has been appointed executive vice president, Strategic Access, Policy & Communications and will continue serving as a member of the executive team. This organization integrates access, policy, communications and sustainability to strengthen alignment between strategy and execution and ensure clear, consistent engagement with stakeholders in the U.S. and globally. Guindo most recently served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer; he brings deep experience across commercial disciplines, international policy and global patient access to this new organization.