Merz, Inc. Announces James P. Hartman as Vice President, Medical Dermatology

GREENSBORO, N.C., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Merz, Inc. (US affiliate of Merz Pharma Group) today announced that James  P. Hartman has been appointed as vice president, Medical Dermatology, effective June 12, 2012.  Hartman will be responsible for the company's Medical and OTC/OTX dermatology business unit, which includes Naftin® (naftifine hydrochloride) and Mederma®.

"Jim has a proven track record when it comes to developing and commercializing pharmaceutical and OTC/OTX products.  We are extremely pleased to have him join the Merz team and are confident he will make immediate and important contributions to the continued growth of our medical dermatology business and the company as a whole," said Bill Humphries, president & CEO of Merz, Inc.

Humphries noted additional senior-level hires are anticipated within the next few months as Merz, Inc. undergoes integration and prepares for accelerated growth across all business units.

Prior to joining Merz, Hartman was vice president, Global Marketing & Business Development, at Obagi Medical Products, a provider of skincare treatments.  He successfully developed and launched several products and made major strategic contributions to enhance the future development of the company.   Previously, he was senior vice president, US Commercial Operations, and vice president of US Marketing for Stiefel Laboratories, a leader in global dermatology and skin health. While with Stiefel, he helped to significantly grow revenue, served as commercial co-lead on two corporate acquisitions, and worked alongside Bill Humphries, who joined Merz, Inc. in March as the president & CEO.  Hartman also has held senior-level positions with Allergan and SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline).

Hartman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from the University of California at Irvine.  He will be based at Merz offices in Greensboro, N.C.

About Merz, Inc.
Merz, Inc. develops and commercializes products for Merz Pharma Group. Areas of therapeutic focus include Neurology, Physiatry, Dermatology, Aesthetics, and Podiatry.

About Merz Pharma Group 
Globally, the companies of Merz Pharma Group are focused on medications for treating neurological and psychiatric illnesses and thereby assume a leading role in the field of Alzheimer research.  Another important area of competency of Merz is Clinical Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine. Merz is also active in the Health sector outside of the pharmacy. In the field of consumer products, with its established brands of tetesept® and Merz Spezial®, Merz Consumer Care is a leading provider of products for self-medication, nutritional supplements and skin care in the German-speaking area. Merz Pharma Group is a privately owned company, founded in 1908 in Frankfurt, Germany.

SOURCE Merz, Inc.