New Merck Foundation appoints Rasha Kelej

Rasha Kelej has been appointed chief executive officer for Merck KGaA’s non-profit limited liability company, The Merck Foundation.

Prior to her new position at The Merck Foundation, Kelej has held numerous roles at Merck, including vice president, head of global business for Merck Serono, chief social officer for Merck Group, and subsequently as its senior vice president.

She said: “The Merck Foundation will focus on initiatives that will contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.

“To achieve the foundation’s goals, we will develop and implement coherent strategies, result-oriented programs and initiatives, provide grants to support projects and help raise funds where needed.”

Chairman of the board of trustees for The Merck Foundation, Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, added: “The vision of the new foundation is a world where everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, also those living under disadvantaged conditions.

“With The Merck Foundation we will continue our commitment towards improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and advancing people’s lives through science and technology.”

The Foundation will be chaired by Stangenberg-Haverkamp and he will advise and monitor its performance.