Merck spinoff Organon appoints Telman as general counsel

Kenilworth-based Merck announced on Thursday it has appointed Deborah H. Telman as the new general counsel for Organon & Co., its intended spinoff of its women’s health, legacy and biosimilars brands.

Telman will act as a senior legal advisor to the company’s board, CEO and senior management. She will also be tasked with Merck’s worldwide legal affairs, compliance and global environmental health and safety. Prior to Organon, she was the senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Sorrento Therapeutics. She has more than 20 years of experience in senior level roles at several global companies including Abbott, Johnson Control and Boeing.

“Deb’s proven leadership, industry knowledge and expertise will serve Organon employees, customers and shareholders well,” Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and CEO, Merck, said. “Her counsel will help set the new company on a path to positively impact the lives of patients and improve public health.”

The spinoff is anticipated to be finished in the first half of 2021.