Merck hires Richard R. DeLuca Jr. as president for animal health unit

Succeeding Raul Kohan, DeLuca, 48, will report to Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck’s president and chief executive officer, and will be a part of the company’s executive committee.

Kohan will supposedly stay with the company till year end, and report to Frazier.

DeLuca will endeavor to focus on division's strong product portfolio and customer focus to exploit new growth avenues.

Merck offers a broad choice of vaccines, anti-infective and antiparasitic drugs, a complete range of fertility management products, pharmaceutical specialty products, innovative delivery solutions, performance technologies and value-added programs, to over 50 countries in some 150 markets.

Frazier said, “We are delighted to welcome Rick DeLuca as the new leader of our Animal Health division, with his experience leading and growing international animal health businesses.

“While Merck Animal Health already has a considerable presence around the world, further global expansion of the business represents a significant long-term growth opportunity for us.”