MSD has announced the appointment of Louise Houson as managing director of its human health business in Ireland.

The healthcare company said Ms Houson will also take up leadership of its country council for Ireland, the entity overseeing the development of its Irish operations which last year had a turnover of €3 billion.

Ms Houson joins from the UK where she was the business unit director of its hospital and speciality area and, before that, executive director of business and commercial operations.

Speaking after her appointment, Ms Houson said: “Our 2,000 strong Irish workforce continues to be at the forefront of our ambition to preserve and improve human life, leading the way in the development of innovative new medicines.”

The company's new cancer treatment is to be manufactured in Carlow for the world market.

Ms Houson’s career with the company spans 17 years and included a number of leadership positions across sales, business research, marketing, and commercial functions.

She replaces Brian Longstreet who held the role since 2012 and who will return to the US for a leadership role with the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund.