Robert M. Davis is the CEO and President of Merck & Co., Inc., a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry since July 1, 2021. Before stepping into the CEO role, he was the Chief Financial Officer at Merck, showing...

Robert M. Davis is the CEO and President of Merck & Co., Inc., a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry since July 1, 2021. Before stepping into the CEO role, he was the Chief Financial Officer at Merck, showing he understands the financial side of the business deeply. Under his watch, the company prioritizes health innovations and shareholder value. In 2023, David earned a total compensation of around $20.3 million, mostly tied to the company's performance, which is an indicator of his commitment to driving results. He has skin in the game, holding over $40 million in Merck stock and additional stock options valued at more than $11 million as of early 2024. This highlights the alignment of his interests with those of the shareholders. Davis’s history includes a significant stint at Baxter International prior to joining Merck in 2014. He’s not just a numbers guy; he was also appointed Chairman of the Board in late 2022, making him a key figure in guiding the company’s future direction. His journey shows that experience combined with a strategic mindset leads to effective leadership in the competitive pharma market.