Merck Animal Health Names Steve Blank National Sales Leader of its U.S. Companion Animal Business
Madison, N.J., May 20, 2019 – Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) today named Steve Blank the National Sales Leader of its Companion Animal business. In this new role, Blank will lead Merck Animal Health’s U.S. field team of companion animal sales representatives and be responsible for revenue acquisition and forecasting, key account management, sales strategies, incentive program design and field effectiveness measures.
“Steve’s extensive experience will be a great advantage as we seek to bring focused leadership attention to and maximize the efficiencies of our growing Companion Animal business,” said Gary MacPhee, Associate Vice President, Companion Animal and Equine Team, Merck Animal Health. “I am confident in his capabilities and look forward to witnessing the impact that his leadership will make on our business.”
With more than 20 years of experience in animal health commercial leadership in the U.S. veterinary market, Steve has launched and grown multiple animal health blockbuster brands and directed industry-leading sales forces. Most recently, he served as the executive director of the U.S. pet business for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Prior to that, Steve was the executive director of U.S. commercial operations for the dairy business of a large animal health agriculture company. He earned an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Iowa State University.
“In today’s times, an increasing number of people have pets, and proper care is imperative to their health and longevity,” Blank said. “Veterinarians play a key role in ensuring pets’ heath, and I’m proud to work for a company that recognizes the importance of veterinary care and values its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®.”
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.