German science and technology company Merck has appointed Dr. Danny Bar-Zohar as the new Global Head of Development for its Healthcare business to replace Dr. Luciano Rossetti, who is retiring from his post as Global Head of Research & Development (R&D) for Healthcare, the company announced Thursday.

“Throughout his six-year tenure as Global Head of R&D, Luciano Rossetti has had a significant impact on our Healthcare organization and on the lives of patients,” Belen Garijo, vice chair of the executive board and deputy CEO of Merck, said in a statement. “He has led the R&D organization through a strategic transformation that has delivered multiple tangible regulatory successes and most importantly, built a durable foundation for the future of scientific and medical innovation at our company.”

Dr. Rossetti joined Merck in 2014. During his tenure with the company, he led global approvals and launches for the Neurology & Immunology and Oncology portfolios.

“My time at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany – working with a talented team and having the opportunity to advance truly novel science for patients in need – has been some of the most rewarding of my career,” Rossetti said in the release. “I’d like to thank Belen Garijo for her unwavering support in helping to build a science-driven, high performing R&D organization.”

As the new Global Head of Development, Dr. Bar-Zohar will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the Healthcare portfolio, across all phases of Clinical Development, as well as Global Patient Safety, Global Regulatory Affairs and Development Operations.

He has previously held roles at pharmaceutical firms Teva Pharmaceuticals and Novartis and venture capital firm Syncona Investment Management.

Dr. Bar-Zohar’s position becomes effective on November 1. Dr. Rossetti will remain with Merck through December 31 this year. Dr. Joern-Peter Halle will remain in his position as Global Head of Research for the Healthcare business.