Ex-Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Julie Gerberding has been appointed as the new President of the vaccine division of Merck and Co Inc., as was confirmed by the company on Monday.

Dr. Gerberding had been CDC's leader from 2002 to 2009 and had stepped down from her position when President Barack Obama took office. Now, she will be taking into her hands the rein of Merck's $5 Billion global vaccine business which includes vaccines and shots for the prevention of chickenpox, cervical cancer and pneumonia.

"As a preeminent authority in public health, infectious diseases and vaccines, Dr. Gerberding is the ideal choice to lead Merck's engagement with organizations around the world that share our commitment to the use of vaccines to prevent disease and save lives", Merck Chief Executive Officer Richard Clark said.

Dr. Gerberding had led CDC through many crisis situations, including an investigation into the anthrax attacks that killed five people in 2001, and various outbreaks of food poisoning, among other serious issues.

Dr. Gerberding will be replacing Merck's previous head of vaccines Margaret McGlynn who recently retired.