On November 21, 2023, Merck & Co., Inc. announced resignation of Rita Karachun, Senior Vice President Finance ? Global Controller and principal accounting officer from this position effective December 4, 2023. Ms. Karachun plans to retire from the Company in 2024.

Ms. Karachun?s resignation is not due to any disagreement with the Company with respect to any matter relating to the Company?s operations, policies or practices. On November 28, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company elected Dalton E. Smart III to serve as Senior Vice President Finance ? Global Controller of the Company, effective December 4, 2023, making him the Company?s principal accounting officer.

Mr. Smart, 57 years old, has served as Assistant Controller of the Company since September 2023. Prior to his appointment as Assistant Controller of the Company, Mr. Smart served the Company as Vice President ? Internal Audit from March 2015 to August 2023 and Executive Director, Audit from November 2009 to February 2015.

Mr. Smart has no arrangements or understandings with any other person pursuant to which he was elected as an officer, nor does he have a relationship or related transaction with the Company that would require disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with his appointment. There are no family relationships between Mr. Smart and any of the Company?s executive officers or directors. In connection with Mr. Smart?s appointment as Senior Vice President Finance ?

Global Controller, effective December 4, 2023, Mr. Smart will receive compensation in a manner consistent with the Company?s compensation of its Senior Vice Presidents.