Pharma China learned that Dr. Yehong Zhang will leave his position with IMS Health as its Area Vice President for Grater China to become President, MSD China on October 1, 2007. He will report directly to Ramesh Subrahmanian, President, Asia Pacific Human Health.

In 2004, Yehong joined IMS Health, as Country Manager and Area Vice President with responsibility for Greater China. In this role, Yehong has led the transformation of IMS in China into a significant solutions provider for the pharmaceutical industry, building a strategic and tactical consulting group within the region and leading merger and acquisition transactions to strengthen the organization’s competitive position.

Prior to joining IMS Health, Dr. Zhang served as Director and Managing Consultant of Core Solutions in Hong Kong and China where he was responsible for running business intelligence and supply chain management practices throughout the Asia Pacific region.

He began his career as a Chief Engineer with Advanced Machine Technology specializing in the application of new technology to various industries. In 1990, he moved on to join Merck and began a long career which included significant roles in the launch and life cycle management of major drugs such as PRILOSEC, FOSAMAX, ZOCOR and He worked in many global Merck sites including England, France, USA (West Point, White House Station), Puerto Rico and Canada till 2001. Following a successful assignment as the chair person of a global, multi-divisional product team responsible for one of Merck's largest drug franchises, he moved on to its Business Affairs organization where he focused on supply chain and partnership management, licensing and strategic outsourcing.

Yehong grew up in Northern China and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Harvard University. He also holds an MBA from Wharton and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, USA.