Merck Animal Health Announces Leadership in Newly Formed Animal Health Intelligence Operating Unit

MADISON, N.J., Oct. 7, 2020 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced Jeroen van de Ven, DVM, MBA, as the leader of Merck Animal Health Intelligence, a newly formed, specialized operating unit which takes its name from the company’s strategic vision for animal health intelligence and data expertise. This operating unit within Merck Animal Health encompasses the well-recognized and market-leading brands of Allflex Livestock Intelligence, Sure Petcare, Biomark and Vaki, including the recent acquisitions of IdentiGen and Quantified Ag.

“The new identity of our animal health intelligence operating unit, Merck Animal Health Intelligence, now differentiates us within the industry and clearly embodies how we will be a champion for extending the range of market-leading technology and services for our customers,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “Most importantly, our technologies allow access to real-time, actionable data and insights to help, improve or enhance animal health management and health outcomes. Our leading brands in this business have advanced the way we identify animals, engage with them, monitor their activity, anticipate their health needs and help people manage and care for them.”

“I also am pleased to welcome Jeroen as the new leader of this operating unit with his extensive veterinary background, business expertise and commitment to animal health and well-being. These will be assets to help strengthen and expand our company presence around the world and connect with customers. Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of animals and the people who take care of them,” DeLuca said.  

“I am excited to be appointed to this new role, which has the ability to significantly impact the future of animal health through technological innovation,” said Jeroen van de Ven, leader, Merck Animal Health Intelligence. “With our recent acquisitions, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the evolving animal health intelligence and data environment. We have a talented team, resources, as well as the tools and technology to help our customers identify, monitor and trace Livestock from farm to table.  Our Companion Animal products help pet owners enable longer, healthier lives for their pets and enrich the pet care experience. We look forward to working with our veterinarians, farmers, producers and pet owners to shape the future of animal health and well-being.”

 In 2019, Jeroen was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Antelliq (now known as Merck Animal Health Intelligence), responsible for extending the range of the market-leading technology and services. Previously, van de Ven, a practicing veterinarian in The Netherlands, was Associate Vice President for Merck Animal Health’s global ruminants’ business. He joined Merck Animal Health in 2005 and served as Technical Manager for the Benelux Region, Regional Director for Northern Europe and General Manager for Belgium and Luxembourg. He is a graduate of Concordia University in Canada with a BS degree in chemistry, Ghent University in Belgium with a DVM degree and Vlerick School of Management in Belgium with an MBA degree.

About Merck Animal Health

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.