Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Appoints Maya Martinez-Davis as Global Head of Oncology

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced the appointment of Maya Martinez-Davis (46), as Global Head of Oncology Franchise ...

14 Apr 2016 | Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced the appointment of Maya Martinez-Davis (46), as Global Head of Oncology Franchise for its biopharma business. She will report to Rehan Verjee, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer of the Healthcare business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and will be based in Billerica, Massachusetts, USA. Martinez-Davis’ appointment is effective as of today.

In her new role leading the Global Oncology Franchise, Martinez-Davis’ responsibilities will include defining integrated global oncology strategies, and delivery of therapeutic launches, starting with Avelumab*, an investigational anti-PD-L1 antibody initially discovered and developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and currently managed under a strategic alliance with Pfizer. The first potential commercial launch for Avelumab is expected in 2017.

“Maya’s considerable experience in oncology, which includes the recent successful launch of Ibrance® ** in the USA, make her a valued addition to our team as we endeavor to bring new therapeutic options to patients living with cancer,” said Rehan Verjee. “This is a very exciting time for our company as we advance our promising oncology and immuno-oncology pipeline and attract leading industry talent to our company.”

Prior to joining Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Martinez-Davis was a senior executive with Pfizer for more than a decade, delivering on therapeutic area portfolio strategies, in-market growth strategies, and major launches. Prior to her tenure with Pfizer, she held senior-level and director-level positions with Aventis Pharma in oncology.

Martinez-Davis assumes the role of her predecessor, Andrew Schiermeier.

* Avelumab is the proposed International Non-proprietary Name for the anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (MSB0010718C). Avelumab is under clinical investigation and has not been proven to be safe and effective. There is no guarantee any product will be approved in the sought-after indication by any health authority worldwide.

** Ibrance® is a registered trademark of Pfizer

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Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 12.85 billion in 66 countries. 

Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, holds the global rights to the „Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

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