Darmstadt, Germany, February 2025 – The Board of Partners of E. Merck KG has appointed three new members to the Executive Board of Merck KGaA – a natural evolution in the company’s leadership as it continues to implement its growth strategy.
Jean-Charles Wirth (51), who currently heads Science & Lab Solutions within Merck’s Life Science business sector, will become CEO Life Science as of June 1, 2025. He succeeds Matthias Heinzel (58), who has successfully set the Life Science business sector on a sustainable growth path during the challenging phases of the pandemic. Heinzel has decided not to renew his contract and will now serve on the boards of public companies and pursue interests in private equity.
Danny Bar-Zohar (54), currently Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of the Healthcare business sector, will take on the position of CEO Healthcare, as of June 1, 2025. He succeeds Peter Guenter (62), who has decided to retire from Merck after a successful career spanning almost 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Guenter will continue to serve on the boards of public companies and explore further opportunities in private equity.
Jean-Charles Wirth and Danny Bar-Zohar will have a 90-day transition with their predecessors to ensure a seamless handover for Merck’s global businesses.
Khadija Ben Hammada (44), Merck’s Chief Human Resources Officer, will join the Executive Board in the newly created role of Chief People Officer as of March 1, 2025. She will also be responsible for Corporate Sustainability, Quality & Trade Compliance, Inhouse Consulting, and Site Management of the company headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Her appointment increases the Executive Board to six members, emphasizing the importance of talent development and organizational growth as key pillars of Merck’s long-term strategy.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Matthias Heinzel and Peter Guenter for their years of service to our company. Matthias successfully steered the Life Science business sector, resetting its strategy and operating model, building a strong senior leadership team, and ensuring sustainable growth. Under Peter Guenter’s leadership, our Healthcare business sector set a clear strategic roadmap, achieving significant organic sales growth every quarter and reaching record EBITDA levels,” said Johannes Baillou, Chairman Executive Board and Family Board of E. Merck KG. “We warmly welcome Jean-Charles Wirth, Danny Bar-Zohar, and Khadija Ben Hammada to the Executive Board. They bring deep expertise, strong leadership, diverse global experience, and an innovative outlook that will further drive Merck’s growth.”
“I join Mr. Baillou in extending my gratitude to Matthias Heinzel and Peter Guenter for their leadership during a critical phase of our company’s journey. I am also delighted to welcome three proven internal leaders to join me on the Executive Board, alongside Kai Beckmann (CEO Electronics) and Helene von Roeder (Chief Financial Officer),” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. “As a value compounder, Merck remains focused on resilient growth, innovation, and people. These appointments demonstrate the strong talent pipeline we have developed and our commitment to driving long-term profitable growth across our three business sectors.”
Background on the New Executive Board Members
Jean-Charles Wirth – CEO Life Science
Jean-Charles Wirth joined Merck in 2006 and is currently the Global Head of Science and Lab Solutions, the largest division within Life Science, generating over €4 billion in sales. Before this role, he was Head of Applied Solutions, Chief Financial Officer for Life Science, and led its transformation from a €2.3 billion to €6 billion solutions provider through organic growth, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. He has lived and worked in France, Germany, and the United States, with extensive professional exposure in North Africa and Asia.
Danny Bar-Zohar – CEO Healthcare
Since 2022, Danny Bar-Zohar has been Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer of Merck Healthcare. He led R&D transformation, fostering a “drug-hunter mindset”, while also overseeing External Innovation and Business Development. Before joining Merck in 2020, he held leadership roles at Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Syncona Investment Management. His expertise spans global drug development, strategy, and execution across small molecules, antibodies, therapeutic proteins, and gene therapy. He previously trained as a general surgeon and served as an airborne rescue physician in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Khadija Ben Hammada – Chief People Officer
Since joining Merck in 2010, Khadija Ben Hammada has led global HR transformation across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the U.S. She was also Chief of Staff to the CEO of Merck, playing a pivotal role in advancing company culture. Under her leadership as CHRO, Merck introduced leadership development programs and family-friendly benefits such as enterprise-wide support for fertility and caregiving. She brings a people-first approach, emphasizing organizational excellence, workforce upskilling, and leadership development.
Merck Executive Board Structure – Effective June 2025
- Belén Garijo – Chair of the Executive Board and CEO
- Danny Bar-Zohar – CEO Healthcare
- Kai Beckmann – CEO Electronics
- Khadija Ben Hammada – Chief People Officer
- Helene von Roeder – Chief Financial Officer
- Jean-Charles Wirth – CEO Life Science
About Merck
Merck KGaA is a global science and technology leader, combining Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics to drive innovation and progress. The company remains committed to scientific excellence, digital transformation, and future-ready solutions to address global challenges.
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