Dempsey brings over 15 years of experience within MSD, having held leadership positions in Ireland, Croatia and Slovenia, as well as serving as a member of the regional leadership team in Southeast Europe.

"Romania is at an important moment of evolution in healthcare, with notable progress in essential areas such as oncology and with significant opportunities to continue this journey, including through prevention initiatives such as the most generous HPV vaccination programme in Europe," said Dempsey.

His priorities will include consolidating MSD's leadership in oncology and vaccines, developing the cardio-metabolic therapeutic area and supporting access to innovation, in a context where healthcare systems need sustainable, predictable and results-oriented solutions.