Robert B. Ford is the current CEO of Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company, having taken on the role on March 31, 2020. He joined Abbott in 1996 and has climbed through the ranks, holding positions such as Executive Vice...
Robert B. Ford is the current CEO of Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company, having taken on the role on March 31, 2020. He joined Abbott in 1996 and has climbed through the ranks, holding positions such as Executive Vice President for Medical Devices and Senior Vice President for Diabetes Care. Ford's leadership style emphasizes performance metrics, aligning his responsibilities with the company's growth and shareholder interests. In 2023, his total compensation was approximately $23.3 million, which includes a base salary of $1.5 million and a performance bonus of about $2.9 million. He also holds substantial shares in Abbott, with over 220,059 shares directly valued at more than $25 million and additional shares under the Ford Family Trust worth around $22.5 million. Abbott's performance-based payment structure ensures that Ford's interests are closely tied to shareholder returns. His long tenure and deep experience in the industry position him well to navigate Abbott's goals, focusing on innovation and global sales growth, especially since about 60% of Abbott's sales are made outside the U.S. This global outlook is crucial in today’s interconnected economy, allowing Abbott to maintain its competitive edge.