Romanelli returns to Merck as head of Human Health International

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Merck announced April 20 that Joseph Romanelli will join the Kenilworth-based company’s executive team to lead Human Health International, effective Aug. 1.

Romanelli, who initially joined Merck in 1996, will report directly to Merck CEO and President Robert Davis. He joins other members of the executive team, including Arpa Garay, head of Human Health Global Marketing, and Jannie Oosthuizen, head of Human Health U.S.

In this role, Romanelli will have P&L responsibility for Merck’s $22 billion international human health business and lead a team of 14,000 in more than 75 markets outside of the U.S.

“Joe’s remarkable track record of driving growth, unwavering commitment to keep patients at the center, deep knowledge of the global competitive landscape and passion for Merck’s purpose to save and improve lives make him the ideal leader for our growing and expansive international Human Health business,” Davis said in a statement. “I’m excited to welcome Joe back to Merck, and I am confident that our company and stakeholders will greatly benefit from his leadership, delivery and contributions.”

Romanelli returns to Merck after serving as CEO of JiXing Pharmaceuticals, a China-based biopharmaceutical company, since 2021. From 2016 through 2021, Romanelli led Merck’s business in China, based in Shanghai. During this time, Merck was one of the fastest growing multinational pharmaceutical businesses in China, and China became Merck’s second-largest market, the company stated.

Romanelli received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Management.