Christina Shasserre has been appointed to global head of bioscience for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, effective immediately. She will lead the worldwide activities of the company’s Bioscience business at EMD Chemicals’ site in San Diego. She will be responsible for bringing the global biotechnology-based capabilities and technology platforms of EMD and its parent company, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, including the Calbiochem and Novegen brands, to customers in the pharma/biopharma and academic research industries.

According to the company, all core U.S. capabilities in bioscience will be consolidated by the end of 2009, transitioning the company to provide solutions to customers — such as R&D, manufacturing, product management, distribution, quality assurance, and technical and sales support services — in one integrated location.

“Christina will drive our efforts to contribute to our customers creating breakthrough advancements by providing innovative solutions from our high-quality products, technical expertise from our specialist sales force and seamless support from our global network,” said Meiken Krebs, president and chief executive officer, EMD Chemicals. “We have a long-term commitment to serving the bioscience market that will be realized through Christina’s leadership.”

Before joining EMD Chemicals in 2007 as general manager, laboratory business, Ms. Shasserre held senior leadership positions in marketing, business development and licensing at Sigma-Aldrich. She was also director of marketing for Vysis, Inc. and held positions in marketing and quality assurance for Amoco Technology.