MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme), the global pharmaceutical giant, has named Brecht Vanneste as the new Managing Director for its India business. With extensive international experience in pharma strategy, commercial operations, and market access, Vanneste will lead MSD India’s efforts to expand access to innovative medicines, strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, and drive growth in oncology, vaccines, hospital acute care, and chronic disease portfolios across the country.
Glimpse:
Brecht Vanneste succeeds the outgoing MD and brings over 20 years of global leadership experience from MSD’s operations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. In his new role, he will oversee MSD India’s commercial strategy, regulatory engagement, clinical research expansion, and corporate social responsibility initiatives while focusing on accelerating patient access to breakthrough therapies in high-burden areas such as oncology, diabetes, vaccines, and infectious diseases. The appointment signals MSD’s continued commitment to India as a key growth market and hub for clinical development and manufacturing partnerships.
MSD, known globally as Merck & Co., Inc., has appointed Brecht Vanneste as Managing Director of MSD India, effective immediately. The announcement was made on February 27, 2026, following a seamless leadership transition from the previous MD who led the India operations for the past several years. Vanneste steps into the role with a strong track record of driving commercial excellence and strategic partnerships across diverse markets during his 22-year career with MSD.
Prior to this assignment, Vanneste served as MSD’s Managing Director in several key regions, including Belgium, Peru, and most recently as Cluster Leader for Southeast Asia. He has deep experience in launching innovative medicines, navigating complex reimbursement landscapes, building high-performing teams, and fostering collaborations with governments, payers, and healthcare providers to improve patient access. His appointment underscores MSD’s focus on strengthening its India presence amid the country’s growing importance as a clinical research hub, manufacturing partner, and high-growth pharmaceutical market.
In India, MSD maintains a robust portfolio spanning oncology (Keytruda, Lynparza), vaccines (Gardasil, Pneumovax, Vaxneuvance), hospital acute care (Bridion, Prevymis), diabetes (Januvia, Janumet), and animal health. Vanneste will lead efforts to accelerate access to these therapies through expanded public-private partnerships, innovative pricing models, patient assistance programs, and deeper integration with digital health platforms under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. He will also oversee MSD’s ongoing clinical development programs in India, which include numerous global and local trials across therapeutic areas.
The new MD expressed enthusiasm about leading MSD India at a time when the country is witnessing rapid evolution in healthcare delivery, insurance coverage, and adoption of advanced therapies. He highlighted the opportunity to work closely with Indian healthcare stakeholders to address unmet needs in cancer care, vaccine-preventable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and non-communicable diseases while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in life sciences innovation.
Industry observers view Vanneste’s appointment as a strategic move by MSD to bring global best practices in commercial execution and stakeholder engagement to one of its most important emerging markets. With India’s pharmaceutical market projected to grow significantly over the next decade, the leadership change is expected to further strengthen MSD’s competitive position and patient impact in the country.
“India is at the forefront of healthcare transformation, and I am honoured to lead MSD’s efforts here. Together with our talented team and partners, we will continue delivering innovative therapies that save and improve lives across the country.”
By
HB Team
