Who Are Merck & Co., Inc. Leaders and Executives?

Merck & Co., Inc. is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. Throughout its 130-year history, the company has developed and produced a wide range of health and pharmaceutical products. Find out more about Merck & Co., Inc. leaders and executives.

Executive Team of Merck & Co.

Merck executive team heads the company’s over 68,000 employees across 77 countries. Merck & Co has invested over $12.2 billion in research and development as of 2021. In 2022, the pharmaceutical giant ranks 71st among the Fortune 500 companies. Meet the executive team of Merck & Co.

Robert M. Davis, Chief Executive Officer and President

Rob Davis is Chief Executive Officer and President at Merck & Co. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the company, Davis heads all five company divisions: Research and Development, Manufacturing and Supply, Human Health, Animal Health, and Global Support Functions.

Before becoming CEO Merck & Co., Inc., Davis served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer when he joined in 2014. He was responsible for real estate operations, corporate strategy, business development, technology, and procurement. He assumed office as President in April 2021 and became a member of the board and CEO in July 2021.

Cristal N. Downing, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer & Executive Vice President

Cristal Downing joined Merck executive team as the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer and Executive Vice President in 2021. She is responsible for developing, advancing, and executing corporate affairs, public affairs, communications, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts.

Before joining the company, Downing worked at Johnson & Johnson for six years. She held various senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs and Medical Devices and Vice President of Enterprise Strategy & Communications and Global Finance Communication.

Michael A. Klobuchar, Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President

Mike Klobuchar serves as the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Merck & Co. He is responsible for advancing and executing corporate strategy, business development, and information technology. He played an integral role in Merck Research Laboratories and the Schering-Plough R&D merger in 2009.

Since joining Merck & Co. in 1998, Klobuchar has worked as the Senior Vice President, CFO of Merck Research and Development, Head of Global Portfolio and Alliance Management, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Planning, President of Emerging Businesses, Vice President of Global Business and Financial Planning, among others.

Caroline Litchfield, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

Caroline Litchfield is responsible for Merck’s finance, procurement, and real estate operations as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. She joined the company’s U.K. business in 1990 and has been responsible for the business’ country, regional, and global financial functions. She assumed office as CFO of Merck & Co. in April 2021.

Litchfield’s previous positions include the company’s Treasurer, Finance Director in the U.K., Head of Finance in Europe and Canada, Finance Lead of Emerging Markets, and Senior Vice President of Finance – Global Human Health. She was also instrumental in the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough.

Steven C. Mizell, Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President

As the Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President, Steve Mizell heads Merck & Co.’s human resources processes, including talent acquisition and deployment, employee wellness, and diversity and inclusion. He joined the company’s executive team in 2018.

Mizell’s most significant contribution to the company is getting recognized as “a great place to work” by Fortune, Fast Company, Working Mother, U.S. Veterans, and People Magazine. The awards are a major credit to his efforts in creating an industry-leading global workplace for more than 20,00 employees since assuming office.

Dave Williams, Chief Information & Digital Officer & Executive Vice President

Dave Williams is the Chief Information and Digital Officer of Merck & Co. He is responsible for the company’s technology direction and organization, helping with initiatives for research, manufacturing, and business units. He also serves as the company’s Executive Vice President.

In his tenure at Merck & Co., Williams served as the Chief Information Officer of Merck Animal Health and Executive Director of Enterprise Information Management. He has years of experience developing innovative solutions for veterinarians, start-ups, inventors, entrepreneurs, customers, and partners.

Chirfi Guindo, Chief Marketing Officer of Human Health

Chirfi Guindo joined Merck & Co.’s executive team as the Chief Marketing Officer of Human Health in July 2022. He is responsible for developing a long-term strategy and implementing the company’s Human Health portfolio, including vaccines, oncology, pharmaceutical, and pipeline products.

Previously, he served as the Executive Vice President, Head of Global Product Strategy, and Head of Global Marketing, Market Access & Customer Innovation at Biogen. He has over 25 years of leadership positions in finance, sales, commercial, and marketing.

Jennifer Zachary, General Counsel & Executive Vice President

Jennifer Zachary assumed office as the General Counsel and Executive Vice President in 2018. She heads the office of general counsel and serves as the legal advisor for the board of directors and executive team. She ensures the safety, environmental, and global security functions of Merck & Co.

Before joining the company, Zachary held positions as an associate and partner at Covington & Burling, LLP, Associate Chief Counsel at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

The Executive Team of Merck & Co. Divisions

The leadership of Merck & Co., Inc. comprises an executive team for the company’s business divisions. They are experts in different areas of business, helping the company succeed in its position in the healthcare industry. Meet the Merck & Co. Divisions leaders and executives.

• Sanat Chattopadhyay, Executive Vice President & President of Merck Manufacturing Division
• Richard R. DeLuca, Jr., Executive Vice President & President of Merck Animal Health
• Dean Y. Li, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President & President of Merck Research Laboratories
• Jannie Oosthuizen, President of Merck Human Health U.S.
• Joseph Romanelli, President of Human Health International
• Deepak Khanna, Interim Leader of Human Health International

Board of Directors Merck & Co., Inc.

The leadership team of Merck & Co. also includes the board of directors. Their diverse skills and expertise bring different perspectives to the company’s critical business decisions to reduce risks and boost success.

• Kenneth C. Frazier
• Douglas M. Baker, Jr.
• Mary Ellen Coe
• Pamela J. Craig
• Robert M. Davis
• Thomas H. Glocer
• Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D.
• Stephen L. Mayo, Ph.D.
• Paul B. Rothman, M.D.
• Patricia F. Russo
• Christine E. Seidman, M.D.
• Inge G. Thulin
• Kathy J. Warden
• Peter C. Wendell

About Merck & Co., Inc.

Merck & Co., Inc. is a multinational pharmaceutical company that develops and improves vaccines, medicines, and other medical products. Merck & Co., or Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) outside of the United States and Canada, aspires to become a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.

Who is the Founder of Merck & Co.?

George Merck founded Merck & Co. on January 1, 1891, at only 23 years old. The company’s first venture was a distributor of fine chemicals throughout New York City and neighboring communities. In 1899, Merck published the Merck Manual, which included guidelines for bloodletting for acute bronchitis, arsenic for impotence, and almond bread for diabetes. It has become one of the most significant references in global medical history.

George W. Merck succeeded his father as president in 1925. He began his career in the company’s packing and shipping department in 1914. Under his leadership, Merck & Co. merged with Powers-Weightman-Rosengarten Co. and expanded the company’s research and innovation capabilities.

Since then, the company has undergone dynamic changes and has a list of FDA approvals under its belt, including Indinavir Sulfate to treat HIV, Singular to prevent asthma, Vasotec to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and more.

Where is Merck & Co.s Headquarters?

Merck & Co.’s headquarters is in Rahway, New Jersey. The site has been the company’s home for more than a century and has been designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society.

The company also has several R&D locations across the world, including:

• Boston Discovery Hub, Boston, MA, focuses on immunology, diabetes, and neuroscience.
• Exploratory Science Center, Cambridge, MA, explores emerging science and technology areas.
• Kenilworth Campus, NJ, has world-class biologics and synthetic chemistry capabilities for preclinical development.
• London Discovery Research Center, London, UK, works with academic institutions to address challenging diseases for aging populations.
• South San Francisco Discovery Hub, San Francisco, CA, is the newest addition to the company’s R&D network, focusing on innovative biologics research.
• U.S. Human Health Division Headquarters, Upper Gwynedd, PA, is home to clinical development and regulatory affairs research.
• West Point Campus, PA, serves as the company’s largest manufacturing facility, focusing on preclinical and clinical functional areas.

What are the Areas of Focus of Merck & Co.?

Merck & Co. invests in different focus areas for scientific innovation and medicine development to address the world’s biggest health challenges. The programs and partnerships in these focus areas have helped 285 million people worldwide.

• Oncology, where Merck & Co. aims to extend and improve the lives of cancer patients
• Vaccines, where the company is known to have had great success for over 100 years
• Infectious diseases, where the company goals to prevent further spread and treat diseases like HIV and Ebola
• COVID-19, which the company has been fully committed to creating effective responses
• Cardio-metabolic disorders, which Merck & Co. is determined to find solutions and treatments
• Discovery & development, where the company invests in the scientist for the future of humankind

Merck & Co., Inc. Leaders and Executives: “Leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.”

Merck & Co., Inc. leaders and executives deliver innovative health and treatment solutions to people and animals. The company continues in its aspiration to be a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives worldwide.