Merck Appoints New Heads of Discovery Solutions and Strategy & BD for Life Science
Appointments strengthen the Life Science leadership team as the business advances its strategy and innovation agenda
Merck announced the appointments of Clara Sattler de Sousa e Brito as Head of Discovery Solutions and Robert Machinek as Head of Strategy & Business Development for the company’s life science business. Sattler de Sousa e Brito will assume her role in the third quarter of 2026 and Machinek assumes his role effective immediately.
“The life science industry is at a pivotal moment, with customers working to accelerate discovery and development while navigating more complex science, more digital workflows and rising expectations for speed, reliability and impact,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Life Science. “Our strategy is focused on empowering customers to succeed in this dynamic environment through trusted products, innovative solutions and strong execution. Clara and Robert bring the leadership experience, customer focus and strategic mindset needed to advance that strategy, and position Life Science for its next phase of growth.”
As Head of Discovery Solutions, Sattler de Sousa e Brito will lead the business unit focused on supporting research and early-stage discovery with digital tools, trusted products and innovative technologies across biology, chemistry and analytical workflows.
Sattler de Sousa e Brito joins Merck from Philips International BV, where she served as EVP and Market Leader Europe. Previously, she held international senior roles at Siemens Healthineers and The Linde Group, with P&L responsibility across healthcare, medical technology and chemical industries. She brings extensive experience in commercial execution, business development and digital transformation, with a focus on driving growth and innovation through customer-centric leadership and high-performing teams.
As Head of Strategy & Business Development, Machinek will lead the organization responsible for shaping and executing the Life Science strategy, guiding organic and inorganic growth, ensuring strategic alignment across business units and regions, and overseeing the ERP business program. In this role, he will help advance the company’s strategic priorities and support the continued evolution of the Life Science business. Machinek served as interim head of the organization prior to his appointment to the role.
Before joining Merck, Machinek was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he led strategic life science and healthcare engagements across North America, Europe and Asia. His expertise spans strategic growth, major ERP transformations, M&A, digital initiatives and global operations optimization. Machinek holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Oxford and a B.Sc. in Physics from RWTH Aachen University.
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