The Board of Directors of Organon, the former women’s health, biosimilars and established brand business of Merck & Co., which was spun off as an independent company in 2021, has appointed Organon’ Executive Vice President and Head of Manufacturing & Supply, Joseph Morrissey, as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the resignation of Kevin Ali as CEO. Organon’s Board Chair Carrie S. Cox will also take on additional responsibilities on an interim basis as Executive Chair to support Mr. Morrissey in his new role. 

Ali, who had been CEO of Organon since its formation, stepped down following an independent, internal investigation, overseen by the company’s Audit Committee, regarding wholesaler sales practices for the company’s Nexplanon (etonogestrel implant), a contraceptive. 

“The investigation found that certain wholesalers in the US were asked to buy more Nexplanon than they needed at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, the third and fourth quarters of 2024 and the first, second and third quarters of 2025,” outlined the company in an October 27, 2025, press release. “The investigation found these sales represented less than 1% of the Company’s consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2024 as applicable, but enabled Organon to meet guidance and/or certain external revenue expectations. The Company’s Board determined that these wholesaler sales practices were improper and certain of the Company’s prior statements were inaccurate or incomplete. While the findings to date do not necessitate a restatement or revision to any previously issued financial statements, the Company is taking remedial actions to improve its financial controls and address any material weaknesses. In connection with the investigation, the Company terminated the employment of its Head of U.S. Commercial & Government Affairs. There has been no finding that the Company’s Chief Financial Officer was aware of the improper wholesaler sales practices.” 

The Board is initiating a search for a permanent CEO, including both internal and external candidates, and retaining a search firm to assist with the process. 

Morrissey, a member of the company’s executive leadership team, has served as Head of Organon’s global manufacturing and supply chain capabilities for over four years. Mr. Morrissey came to Organon from Merck & Co., Inc, where he spent more than 30 years of his career. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Senior Vice President of Merck’s Animal Health Global Manufacturing and Supply, and from 2014 to 2016 as Senior Vice President and leader of Global Human Health Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Previously, he held positions of increasing responsibility in pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing, global facilities management, corporate strategy and supply chain management. 

Also, Organon Director Robert Essner will assume the role of Lead Independent Director. Essner is the former Chairman, President and CEO of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,which was acquired by Pfizer. in 2009. Prior to joining Wyeth, Mr. Essner held senior roles at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation and served as a Senior Advisor of Global Healthcare for The Carlyle Group Inc. from 2009 to 2019. 

Source: Organon