Kenilworth-based Merck & Co. said Thursday that Frank Clyburn, executive vice president and president, human health, will step down Feb. 1.
Clyburn is joining New York-based IFF, where he will succeed Andreas Fibig as CEO and a member of the IFF board of directors, effective Feb. 14. He brings extensive experience leading complex global businesses and executing with exceptional operating discipline.
Leadership of Merck’s human health following Clyburn’s departure will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I am extremely appreciative of Frank’s significant contributions to our company during his 14 years with Merck. Frank has been a key catalyst for value creation, an incredible business strategist, a dedicated people leader and a fierce advocate for patients everywhere,” said Robert Davis, CEO and president, Merck. “Frank’s strategic and operational excellence helped establish Merck as a global leader in oncology. Our human health business has delivered strong and sustainable growth under Frank’s leadership, and we are well-positioned to continue this momentum with the strong human health team we have in place.”
Clyburn joined Merck in 2008 and held several leadership positions with increasing responsibility throughout his Merck career. In March 2021, he was named president of human health. Previously, Clyburn served as chief commercial officer for human health, and was the president of Merck’s global oncology business. During his time at Merck, he also managed multiple global pharmaceutical franchises, including diabetes, cardiovascular and women’s health, and led numerous marketing and sales teams.
Before joining Merck, Clyburn was vice president of the Oncology and Internal Medicine business units at Sanofi Aventis and held a wide range of leadership roles with that company, in addition to being actively involved in the $65 billion integration of Sanofi and Aventis.
