Top-level appointment at Merck & Co, and Sanofi-Aventis selects chairman

US drug giant Merck & Co, which has recently completed its $41.1 billion acquisition of Schering-Plough, has lured back Michael Rosenblatt (currently Dean of Tufts University's School of Medicine), as executive vice president and chief medical officer, effective immediately.

Dr Rosenblatt will be Merck's primary voice to the global medical community and will speak to critical issues such as patient safety, the company stated. He will have responsibility for bringing even greater focus to Merck's medical activities worldwide as well as shaping innovative medical strategies that meet the needs of our customers in new and better ways. He will report directly to Richard Clark, Merck's chairman, president and chief executive, will serve on the company's executive committee and will oversee the company's Global Center for Scientific Affairs.

'Merck's fundamental mission is ensuring the well-being of patients worldwide and Dr. Rosenblatt's appointment reinforces our steadfast commitment to always remain focused on this goal,' said Mr. Clark. 'Dr. Rosenblatt's achievements in academia, clinical medicine and private industry are exceptional. With his nearly three decades of invaluable experience, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Rosenblatt to Merck's executive team.'