Merck has named Udit Batra to lead the combined life science business of Merck Millipore and Sigma-Alrich.
The appointment will be effective upon successful completion of the acquisition, expected for mid-2015.
Batra joined Merck in 2011 to head the group’s consumer health business. Prior to that, he worked at Novartis Vaccines nd Diagnostics, where he served as head of global public health and market access.
Batra has been CEO and president of Merck Millipore since March 2014 and will, alongside Sigma-Aldrich president and CEO Rakesh Sachdev, will continue to run both organisations independently leading up to the acquisition.
Karl-Ludwig Kley, chairman of the executive board of Merck, commented: “Today’s appointment marks another important step in the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich as it provides stable and strong leadership and continued customer focus during the crucial months of integration planning and beyond.
“Udit is a proven leader who has demonstrated his ability to work successfully with his leadership team to guide large organisations, drive performance and deliver to our customers.”