Rich Kender is responsible for Corporate Development, Corporate Licensing, Human Health Business Development, U.S.H.H. Business Development, MVD Business Development, Financial Evaluation and Analysis and JV Financial Services. He is a member of the Financial Executive Committee and a member of the Merck Capital Ventures Investment Committee.

Rich joined Merck in 1978 and has held a variety of positions in the financial area including positions in the Corporate Controller's area, Divisional Financial Services, and Financial Evaluation and Analysis. In 1994 he joined Corporate Development and in 1996 he was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Development. In 2000, Rich's responsibilities were expanded to include Corporate Licensing and Worldwide Business Development.

Rich earned a BS in Accounting from Villanova in 1978 and a MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1984.

Rich is a member of the Biotechnology Council of New Jersey, Board of Trustees.

"Licensing is a key to Merck's future. Currently over one-third of Merck's revenue (over $8 billion) is from licensed-in products and patents. We expect this to continue to grow as we vigorously pursue external partnerships."