Organon – a women’s health care company that launched through a spinoff from Merck in June 2021 – appointed Kirke Weaver as general counsel and corporate secretary, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Weaver, who was named as the interim head of the Office of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in July, will remain on the Jersey City company’s executive leadership team, as well.

Weaver brings nearly 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience to the position, previously serving as Organon’s senior vice president, Commercial, Regulatory, Securities, Employment and deputy corporate secretary. The company said he played a critical role in launching Organon as a standalone company.

In a Dec. 12 statement, Organon CEO Kevin Ali said Weaver “has contributed deep, invaluable expertise to guide Organon” since moving into the interim role.

“He brings excellence to the role, but also exemplifies our values by ensuring, above all else, our company’s commitment to operating with ethics and integrity,” Ali added.

Before joining Organon, Weaver was vice president, Office of General Counsel, at Merck, which he joined in 2003.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and a J.D. from the Yale Law School.

Weaver, who said he was excited to take on the permanent role, added, “I look forward to continuing to bring my skills to help solve critical issues that impact women and ultimately, society at large.”

Since its 2021 spinoff, the company has marked major milestones, including acquiring medical device company Alydia Health in June 2021 and clinical-stage drug development company Forendo Pharma in December 2021. In its first year, Organon’s net revenue was $6.3 billion.