Merck promotes Constantin Fest to head of IR

Constantin Fest, who joined Merck in June, will lead the company’s investor relations department from January 1, 2013.

He replaces Joshua Young who, after eight years at Merck, will return to the US to ‘take up new challenges outside of the company’, according to a company statement. Fest will now report to Matthias Zachert, chief financial officer.

Before moving to the Darmstadt-based pharmaceuticals company in the summer, Fest worked in the IR department and treasury at Lanxess. He was part of the Lanxess investor relations team when it won three awards at this year’s IR Magazine Awards – Europe, including the grand prix for the best overall investor relations (small & mid-cap), and was short-listed for two others. The chemicals company ranked ninth in the IR Magazine Euro Top 100 2012.

Zachert also came to Merck from Lanxess, where he served as CFO from 2004 to 2011, joining the company alongside Fest in June.

Upcoming events

  • Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility
    Thursday, August 07, 2025

    Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event Amid constant tariff news, geopolitical upheaval and other developments stemming from the new US administration, IR teams have their work cut out as they prepare…

    Online
  • Briefing – How agentic AI can enhance your investor targeting
    Tuesday, August 19, 2025

    Briefing – How agentic AI can enhance your investor targeting

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event Targeting has always been a time-consuming, manual and often unpredictable process. But with increasing pressure to demonstrate ROI and prioritize high-value investor conversations, IR teams…

    Online
  • Forum – AI & Technology
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025

    Forum – AI & Technology

    About the event As more investors and corporate communication teams embrace AI, machine learning and emerging technologies to inform their decision-making, investor relations professionals are facing a pivotal moment: adapt and lead, or risk falling behind. At this early but fast-moving stage of adoption, IR teams are asking important questions…

    New York, US

Explore

Andy White, Freelance WordPress Developer London