Merck Evolves Human Health Operating Structure

Reorganization aims to sustain leadership in oncology and focus on growing portfolio across specialty, pharma and infectious diseases

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Merck announced steps to evolve the structure of its Human Health organization, organizing it into an Oncology Business Unit and a Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit. This will enable the company to sustain long-term leadership in oncology while maintaining focus on a growing number of launches across its increasingly diverse portfolio. Merck has appointed Jannie Oosthuizen as executive vice president and president of the Oncology Business Unit, and Brian Foard as executive vice president and president of the Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit.

Why it matters

The reorganization positions Merck to harness the potential of its broad and diversified late-stage pipeline, which includes approximately 80 Phase 3 studies and more than 20 new growth drivers expected over the next several years, many with blockbuster potential. This aligns with Merck's goal of delivering innovative medicines and creating long-term value for stakeholders.

The details

Merck is evolving the structure of its Human Health organization to ensure strong commercial execution of launches across diverse therapeutic areas. The new structure includes an Oncology Business Unit and a Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit. Jannie Oosthuizen, previously president of Merck's U.S. Human Health business, will lead the Oncology unit. Brian Foard, formerly of Sanofi, will lead the Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases unit. Both will report to Merck's CEO and serve on the executive team.

  • Merck announced the reorganization on February 23, 2026.
  • Brian Foard will join Merck as executive vice president and president of the Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit effective March 2, 2026.

The players

Merck

A global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, with a purpose of using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Jannie Oosthuizen

Appointed executive vice president and president of Merck's Oncology Business Unit. He previously served as senior vice president and president of Merck's U.S. Human Health business.

Brian Foard

Appointed executive vice president and president of Merck's Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit. He previously served as executive vice president and head of the Specialty Care Business Unit at Sanofi.

Robert M. Davis

Merck's chairman and chief executive officer.

Chirfi Guindo

Appointed executive vice president of Strategic Access, Policy & Communications at Merck. He previously served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

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What they’re saying

“Merck is pleased to welcome Brian Foard, an experienced executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership across specialty biopharma and commercial execution. 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.”

— Robert M. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (biospace.com)

“I am honored to join Merck at such an important moment in its journey. 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.”

— Brian Foard (biospace.com)

The takeaway

Merck's reorganization of its Human Health business into specialized units for Oncology and Specialty/Pharma/Infectious Diseases reflects the company's strategy to maintain leadership in oncology while also capitalizing on growth opportunities across its increasingly diverse late-stage pipeline. This positions Merck to deliver innovative medicines and create long-term value for stakeholders.