Purdue looks to Merck for new CEO

Purdue Pharma has appointed Merck & Co veteran Mark Timney as CEO, replacing John Stewart who retires.

Timney spent 15 years at Merck, where he most recently served as president of global primary care.

His previous roles include president of Merck US, during which time he helped to launch the hepatitis C drug Victrelis (boceprevir) and led the acquisition of ophthalmology company Inspire Pharmaceuticals.

Prior to moving to the US, Timney served as Merck's country manager in Korea and then Japan following a period in Australia.

Before joining Merck, he spent eight years in sales and marketing at a number of pharmaceutical companies, including Zeneca in New Zealand, ICI Pharmaceuticals in Australia, and Roussel Labs in the United Kingdom

Dr Raymond Sackler, co-founder and board member of pain specialist Purdue, said they had found a “proven leader” in Timney.

"I am confident that his capabilities and experience, coupled with Purdue's culture of excellence, will grow our business and strengthen our healthcare industry leadership,” said Sackler.