David A. Ricks is the CEO of Eli Lilly & Co., a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, since January 2017. He has been with the company since 1996, starting as a business development associate and working his way up...

David A. Ricks is the CEO of Eli Lilly & Co., a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, since January 2017. He has been with the company since 1996, starting as a business development associate and working his way up through various roles, including leading Lilly Bio-Medicines. Under his leadership, Eli Lilly has achieved significant growth, with revenues skyrocketing by about 61% and a total shareholder return of 446% since he took the helm. Ricks owns over $500 million in Eli Lilly stock, showcasing his commitment to the company’s success. His total compensation for 2023 was over $26 million, which includes a salary, a significant performance-based bonus, and vested stock, all tied to company performance metrics like revenue and earnings per share. Ricks is also a key figure in various industry boards, pushing for innovation and ethical business practices. He has a bachelor's degree from Purdue University, and his global experience in Canada and China adds depth to his leadership style, balancing business performance with a focus on accessibility to medicines.