Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Names New Global Head of R&D and CMO for Healthcare Business Sector

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a science and technology company, has appointed David Weinreich, MD, MBA, as Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer for its Healthcare business sector.

In this role, Weinreich will lead Research and Development for the Healthcare business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, including Medical Affairs. Weinreich brings to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany a record of success in leading early-stage and late-stage development, with leadership responsibility in achieving approvals across the globe for multiple therapies and indications. He has extensive experience in shaping R&D strategies that deliver meaningful value to patients and drive sustainable growth for future innovation investments. He also has effectively managed large and complex pipelines and global R&D teams.

“Scientific innovation is the engine that drives everything we do to transform patient care,” said Danny Bar Zohar, MD, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Healthcare. “In David, we have a leader with a unique combination of deep scientific expertise, immense experience in drug development and successfully bringing drugs to the finish line, and global perspective—along with the clarity and boldness to shape a next-generation R&D strategy. His appointment marks an exciting step forward as we work to bring more medicines to more patients, faster.”

About Weinreich

Weinreich is a biopharma leader with extensive experience and a track record in R&D. He has successfully led the development of 15 approved drugs worldwide across various therapeutic areas over his more than 20-year career. In addition, he has founded multiple companies and served as a venture capitalist, board member, and biotech CEO.

Weinreich joins Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany from Foresite Labs & Foresite Capital Management LLC, where he served as an Operating Partner and Senior Advisor. His previous experience includes Executive Vice President, Head, Global Clinical Development at Regeneron; Corporate Senior Vice President, Head, Global Development Specialty Medicine at Bayer; and Executive Medical Director, Global Product Area Leader (Angiogenesis) at Amgen.

“Joining Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey offers a rare opportunity to lead scientific innovation with the potential to have a profound impact on patients’ lives,” said Weinreich. “This is an organization with a strong legacy, deep scientific capabilities, and a clear commitment to delivering meaningful value where it’s needed most. I look forward to working with teams around the world to advance a clear R&D strategy grounded in urgency, collaboration, and purpose.”