20 Percent Sales Drop in China Triggers Merck Leadership Shakeup as 36 Launches Fail to Halt Slide

On May 29, Merck announced a major management change for its China and Japan operations. Anna Van Acker, currently Senior Vice President and President of Merck China, will step down effective July 1. She will transition to a strategic role within Merck’s Human Health division, reporting to both Joe Romanelli and Chirfi Guindo.

Van Acker’s four-year tenure brought significant expansion, with 36 new products and indications introduced under her leadership. In 2023, Merck became the top multinational pharma company in China, driven by strong product growth and market penetration. The company praised her impact on corporate culture and local talent development, calling it essential for future success.

However, despite these achievements, Merck’s performance in China has faltered. According to its 2024 earnings report, the company recorded $64.17 billion in total global revenue, a 7% year-over-year increase. But China’s sales dropped 20%, falling to $5.39 billion—a sharp contrast to global growth.

Merck’s blockbuster cancer therapy Keytruda pulled in $29.48 billion globally, up 18% and accounting for nearly 46% of total revenue. But with its patents expiring in 2028, looming competition from biosimilars and rising exports of Chinese PD-1 drugs pose clear threats. Additionally, HPV vaccine Gardasil saw a 3% decline, largely due to softening demand in China.

Van Acker will be succeeded by Kyle Tattle, current President of Merck Japan, marking a new phase in the company’s China strategy. As Merck faces both growth pressure and patent cliffs, the leadership transition signals a pivotal moment in its Asia-Pacific operations.