Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck's executive vice president and general counsel, has been named executive vice president and president, global human health,
Merck & Co.
Mr. Frazier will oversee more than 30,000 employees and have responsibility for the company's marketing and sales organizations worldwide, including the global pharmaceutical and vaccine franchises. Mr. Frazier will lead the global human health organization in the preparation, launch and marketing of new products and will work with his successor, Bruce N. Kuhlik, on Vioxx-related issues. Mr. Frazier will continue to report to Richard T. Clark, Merck's chairman, president and chief executive officer, and serve on the company's executive committee.
"In Ken, we are fortunate to have an exceptional leader who knows the company, its business and the industry intimately and who has a demonstrated ability to drive the transformation necessary to achieve our long-term objectives," said Mr. Clark.
Mr. Frazier served as Merck's general counsel since 1999, first as senior vice president, and then promoted to executive vice president in 2006. Prior to that, he held positions of increasing responsibility as vice president and deputy general counsel (1999), assistant general counsel for corporate staff (1997), and vice president of public affairs (1994). Mr. Frazier joined the company in 1992 as vice president, general counsel and secretary of the Astra Merck Group.
Bruce N. Kuhlik, who is being promoted to senior vice president, will succeed Mr. Frazier as general counsel with responsibility for Merck's legal and public affairs functions. He will report directly to Mr. Clark and serve as a member of the executive committee.
"The depth and breadth of Bruce's knowledge of the law, the pharmaceutical business and the regulatory regimes under which our company operates enable him to make valuable contributions across a broad range of legal, business and policy matters, but especially leading our Vioxx litigation strategy," said Mr. Clark.
Mr. Kuhlik joined the company in 2005 as vice president and associate general counsel, responsible for the company's Vioxx litigation defense. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and general counsel for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
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