Merck hires new animal health unit president

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. (AP) — Merck & Co. said Tuesday that Raul Kohan will retire as president of its animal health business. He will be replaced by Becton Dickson and Co. executive Richard DeLuca.

The company said DeLuca will lead the animal health business starting Sept. 15. Kohan will stay with Merck through the end of 2011 and then retire.

DeLuca, 48, was president of Wyeth's animal health unit until from 2007 to 2010. He has been the chief financial officer of Becton Dickinson's Bioscience business since 2010.

Merck's animal health business had sales of $802 million in the second quarter. Overall, Merck had sales of $12.15 billion.

Merck shares rose 37 cents to $31.68 in morning trading.