German technology giant Merck welcomes new chief executive

German science and technology company Merck will welcome a new chief executive on Friday.

Kai Beckmann will officially take over as head of the group after his predecessor ,Belén Garijo, moved to French rival Sanofi.

Since joining Merck in 1989, Beckmann has held global roles including managing director of Merck in Singapore and Malaysia as well as chief information officer. He has served as a member of the board since 2011.

Garijo symbolically passed the baton to Beckmann at the company's annual general meeting last week.

In her final speech, Garijo reflected on the company's development during a period of global uncertainty.

"In the last five years, we have led Merck through a time of extraordinary volatility and strengthened it considerably at the same time," she said.

"I am convinced that, under the leadership of Kai Beckmann, Merck will continue to strengthen and advance on this basis."

Beckmann said he would focus on progress and adaptability.

"In everything we do and all our business endeavours, innovation drives us forward. Our portfolio is perfectly aligned with the spirit of the times," he said.

"I am determined to drive the transformation forward with strength and, together with our more than 62,000 employees, to set the course for Merck’s successful development."