Merck & Co. said it appointed Richard DeLuca Jr. as executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health, effective Sept. 15. DeLuca will report to Kenneth Frazier, Merck's president and chief executive, and would serve on the company's executive committee.

DeLuca is succeeding Raul Kohan, who has decided to retire from the company. Kohan will remain with the company until the end of the year. Merck noted that DeLuca would leverage the division's strong product portfolio and customer focus to capitalize on new growth opportunities, including expanding the business in emerging markets.

DeLuca has served as chief financial officer of BD Biosciences since 2010.