Merck today announced some leadership changes within its business sector Electronics.
Dorothea Wenzel, Head of Surface Solutions, decided to leave Merck
Jeff White, currently Head of Delivery Systems & Services, becomes Head of Surface Solutions
Katherine Dei Cas takes over Jeff White’s current role
The personnel changes will take effect from September 1, 2021
Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced some leadership changes within its business sector Electronics. Effective September 1, 2021, Jeff White, currently Head of Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S), succeeds Dorothea Wenzel as Head of Surface Solutions and relocates to Germany. Katherine (Kate) Dei Cas, General Manager DS&S for North America and Europe, takes over Jeff White’s current role. Dorothea Wenzel, currently Head of Surface Solutions, has taken the personal decision to build the next stage of her career outside of Merck after 17 successful years with the company.
“Dorothea has had a significant impact on the Merck business and its people throughout her 17-year tenure, which included her role as Chief Financial Officer of our Healthcare sector and as Head of the global Fertility Franchise. Over the past three years, she has contributed significantly to the successful transformation of Merck Electronics, first as Head of Finance & Strategy and since 2019 as the Head of the global business unit Surface Solutions. It is with great regret that we see Dorothea leaving and we would like to thank Dorothea for her outstanding contributions and great leadership,” said Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Electronics.
Jeff White succeeds Dorothea Wenzel as Head of Surface Solutions. He will relocate to Darmstadt as soon as the situation allows and will continue to be a member of the Electronics Executive Committee (ELEC), reporting directly to Kai Beckmann. “I’m convinced that Jeff White will drive Surface Solutions to new heights, building on his proven business acumen, leadership capabilities and his international experience,” said Kai Beckmann.
Kate Dei Cas will take over the leadership of the DS&S business from Jeff White. She will be based in Tempe, Arizona, USA, and will become a member of the ELEC, reporting directly to Kai Beckmann. “As General Manager North America and Europe for DS&S, Kate Dei Cas not only has existing relationships with our key customers and understands our business very well, she also has a proven track record in successfully managing an important part of the DS&S business,” commented Kai Beckmann.
Beckmann continued: “The fact that we could fill the two open positions again with internal candidates is another evidence for the strength of Merck’s and Electronics’ succession management and talent bench. With the promotions of Jeff and Kate, we also take another important step to fully integrate legacy Versum and to offer great new opportunities to talents that joined Merck with the acquisition.”
About Jeff White
Jeff White has served as Head of DS&S and as President of Merck’s EMD Electronics business since the integration of Versum Materials. Jeff spent his 25-year career in the electronics industry in various roles across the segments at Air Products and Versum Materials. Jeff White is a seasoned, global, materials-industry executive with outstanding customer-facing negotiation and closing skills. He is an expert at leading the change necessary to improve the performance of well-established businesses.
About Kate Dei Cas
Kate Dei Cas currently serves as the General Manager of the North America/Europe DS&S business. She has demonstrated more than 20 years of experience in the delivery and storage of specialty gases and chemicals for the semiconductor and display industries. In her current position, Kate is responsible for managing a cross-functional regional team supporting manufacturing, engineering, quality, field services, and sales for specialty gas and chemical equipment product lines and services.
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