Merck, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has scooped the ‘Employer of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year in the three countries across Middle East and Africa (MEA): UAE, Egypt, and Turkey.

The award was granted to recognise and honour employers’ efforts based on talent development, performance management procedures, in career planning and organisational culture, said a statement.

Investing in its people is at the very top of the Merck MEA’s agenda. As a values-led employer, the company is committed to delivering to its colleagues enriching and engaging experiences at work, with great opportunities to develop, grow and be empowered to reach their full potential, it said.

Paolo Carli, head of Merck MEA, said: “I am a firm believer of people as the most important enabler of being the best by delivering on their target, so my initial focus has always been to develop our staff’s skills internally, regionally and globally to unleash the full potential of our talent.”

“Today, I feel incredibly privileged to see our efforts confirmed for the second consecutive year. It is an honour to work with a talented team of dedicated employees and I am confident that our prospective achievements are yet to come,” he said.

Abdelraouf Metawee, HR business partner MEA, said: “I am pleased to see that our business growth and continued investment in people is recognised externally.”

“We have attracted and retained a highly qualified international team and still see many opportunities ahead for talented professionals,” he said.

Merck MEA plans to include other offices in the Middle East and north Africa (Mena) countries within the listing. The company puts valuable efforts to import talents and expose even further diversity and inclusion within the region.

Merck will celebrate its 350th anniversary this year under the motto "Past. Present. Future.”

“Our company value is what Merck is today – a vibrant, global science and technology company. MEA’s success on people development across the region fits perfectly to the high values of the company that celebrates its 350th anniversary this year,” added Carli.

“We are proud to see the Merck’s contribution to research and development, difficult to treat diseases, new breakthrough therapies and diagnostics, high-tech materials and many more advances,” he said.

“These contributions are highly differentiated thanks to our committed, loyal and engaged employees. The award confirms Merck MEA’s strong contribution to company’s overall success based on its long-term heritage,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service