Stryker Replaces International Group President

Stryker Corporation has nabbed Merck & Co.’s top executive from Asia Pacific to become the company’s new Group President, International. 

Ramesh Subrahmanian, the former senior vice president and president, Asia Pacific for Merck & Co, was named to the position on August 18. He replaces Andrew Fox, who is leaving, according to a company statement, “to pursue other career opportunities.” His appointment is effective September 1, 2011.

Stryker’s total sales outside the U.S. in 2010 were $2.527 billion. That was a 5% increase over 2009, but well below 11% sales growth in the U.S. Stryker will certainly be looking to ramp up international sales as competitors target those emerging markets.

Stephen MacMillan, Stryker’s CPCEO (chairman, president and CEO) said, “Subrahmanian brings a “strong global perspective to Stryker through his successful leadership roles in the U.S., Germany, India and Asia Pacific. He is a proven healthcare leader who has demonstrated the ability to drive profitable growth and innovation, and we look forward to taking advantage of his varied experiences as we continue to grow our international businesses, “

Subrahmanian spent 23 years in the pharmaceutical industry where held various senior level jobs. In addition to Merck, he worked for Sanofi-Aventis and Hoechst Marion Rousel Ltd. At Stryker, he will have responsibilities for all the company’s international business and work out of Singapore.