Udit Batra appointed as Merck Millipore's CEO

Merck, the global pharmaceuticals and chemicals company, has appointed Udit Batra, who over the past two years has managed the turnaround at Consumer Health, as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Merck Millipore. He succeeds Robert Yates, who following the successful conclusion to fully integrate Merck and Millipore into one leading life sciences division, has decided to leave the organisation for a new professional opportunity outside of Merck.
 
The appointment was made by Merck, which announced the promotion of three distinguished internal managers to head the life-science-tools and consumer health divisions as well as its allergy business unit respectively as the company enters the growth phase of its transformation program ‘Fit for 2018’.
 
Merck also appointed Uta Kemmerich-Keil, currently Chief Executive Officer of Allergopharma and head of the global allergy business unit, to succeed Batra in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Health.
 
With a long track record in the Group’s Finance and M&A functions, Kemmerich-Keil took over the helm of the allergy business unit at the end of 2012, restructured the business and gave it a new strategic direction. She will be replaced at Allergopharma by Marco Linari, who last year was appointed commercial lead for the implementation of the Operating Model within Merck Millipore and Performance Materials. All changes will take effect May 15.
 
Separately, Merck Serono President and Chief Executive Officer Belen Garijo will take charge of the Research & Development organisation ad interim. Annalisa Jenkins will be leaving Merck Serono at the end of March. The search for a permanent leader of the R&D organisation is currently underway.
 
Merck Millipore’s growth focus will be on driving market share growth in North America, Asia and Latin America as well as increase sales generated by new products. With a track record working for leading pharmaceutical companies, Udit Batra will bring a unique perspective into the needs and key drivers of Merck Millipore’s customers.