12 December 2018 - - Adam H. Schechter, US-based Merck's (NYSE: MRK) president of Global Human Health, is stepping down from his current position as of 31 December 2018, and will be shifting to an advisory capacity to the CEO, the company said.

The company is taking the opportunity to reshape its commercial organization and is creating two new Executive Committee roles.

Frank Clyburn has been promoted to chief commercial officer and Michael Nally has been promoted to chief marketing officer.

Schechter has been the president of GHH since 2010. He joined the company in 1988. Schechter has been responsible for the performance of our human health business during a period of significant change, and also evolved Merck's commercial organization to strengthen the company's ability to bring its medicines and vaccines to people in more than 140 countries around the world.

Frank Clyburn, who will take on the role of chief commercial officer, effective 1 January 2019, has held a number of leadership positions across Merck.

Most recently, Clyburn was the president of the Global Oncology business. In his new role, Clyburn will report directly to Ken Frazier and will be a member of the Executive Committee.

He will be responsible for all operations and P and L across Merck's human health commercial portfolio globally.

Clyburn joined Merck in 2008 and has had responsibility for numerous global pharmaceutical franchises, including diabetes, cardiovascular and women's health, as well as leadership of marketing and sales teams.

Michael Nally, who will become chief marketing officer, most recently led the company's Vaccines business.

In his new role, Nally will report directly to Ken Frazier and will be a member of the Executive Committee. Nally will be responsible for Global Marketing and long-term franchise strategy across the portfolio.

Nally has been at Merck since 2003 and served in a number of roles with responsibilities including being the managing director of UK, Ireland and Sweden as well a variety of roles in Commercial Operations, Business Development and Investor Relations.