Kenneth Frazier, North Philadelphia native and one of the only Black Fortune 500 CEOs, is retiring
CNNWire
PHILADELPHIA -- Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier, who is currently one of the few Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, is retiring in June, ending a nearly 30-year run with the company.
The pharmaceutical giant announced the change Thursday, naming Chief Financial Officer Robert Davis as its new leader effective July 1. Frazier has served as Merck's CEO since 2011 and had made headlines in recent years for his statements on racial justice and his public tussles with former President Donald Trump.
"On behalf of the entire Merck board, I thank Ken for his strong and highly principled leadership and his commitment to the company's core values of scientific excellence, business integrity, patient focus and respect for all people," said Les Brun, Merck's lead independent director, in the release.