We Are Woefully Overdue On This Merck People Announcement...

And, as is often true in pharma -- the news has already shifted, since April. The outdated item is that Mr. Romanelli will lead Human Health International, returning to Merck from China's XiJing Pharmaceuticals. . . but since this announcement, as we did timely report, Arpa Garay has already left Merck to become Chief Commercial Officer of Moderna. So he is likely to have parts of that role, as well -- in international, at least.

Here is the belated April item, on Mr. Romanelli -- and a bit:

. . .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 [Ed. Note: has now become CCO of Moderna] 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 Mr. 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 $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. . . .

"Life moves pretty fast -- if you don't stop and look around. . . you might just miss it. . ." said young Mr. Beuller. And he was not. . . wrong:

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