A Portrait of Aesthetics
Under the leadership of Philip Burchard, Merz Pharmaceuticals celebrates 110 years of progress in the sphere of beauty and wellness
The brand holds both a responsibility and capacity to celebrate diversifying standards of beauty
It may seem intuitive to have a personal beauty philosophy when you are involved in the field of medical aesthetics. However for Philip Burchard, chief executive officer of Merz Pharmaceuticals, “It’s something I’ve been looking at since I joined. I find that everyone has a different interpretation of beauty.”
Born in Germany and raised in Brazil, Burchard’s background shaped his dream of working internationally. “I have always liked science and how it can do something good for others,” he says when asked about what made him pursue what became a 25-year-long career.
Merz has flourished since creating one of the first anti-wrinkle creams in the 1950s. It later became one of the principals in developing botulinum neurotoxins for patients with movement disorders. Today, Merz’s product portfolio includes a comprehensive line of derma fillers, skincare products, and the revolutionary Ultherapy procedure. It always begins by asking, “What is needed?”
“Do it differently, but do it better,” Burchard quotes founder Friedrich Merz on a legacy of innovation and human centredness, which the family-owned company still adheres to. The brand nurtures generations of clients and employees on its way to becoming a trusted industry partner.
Burchard cultivates a healthy working environment for productivity. “We have to develop top quality products. We invest a lot into research and development.” He dedicates time to strategically plan for improvement and overseeing execution. He also gets involved in production and marketing.
“From time to time, I get out of the office because I want to meet doctors and patients. I go to events to speak to beauty ambassadors and journalists.” This gives him first-hand knowledge of the trends and needs Merz can address.
At the end of the day, what inspires Burchard is the impact we have on people’s lives, referring to physicians thriving in their practice. “We’re contributing so much to society,” he remarks, observing patients feel radically better. Stories of wellness and improved quality of life are direct consequences of the work Merz has done over the last century, which will carry on to the next.
The brand holds both the responsibility and capacity to celebrate diversifying standards of beauty. As Burchard ponders on the age-old virtue’s many interpretations, he, together with the Merz family, carries the torch in exploring one of life’s most elusive ideals.