Kenneth C. Frazier is Executive Chairman of Merck’s board of directors, after stepping down as CEO on July 1, 2021. He is co-chair of the Legal Services Corporation’s Leaders Council.
He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Merck since 2011. Under Ken’s leadership, Merck delivered innovative lifesaving medicines and vaccines as well as long-term and sustainable value to its multiple stakeholders. Ken substantially increased Merck’s investment in research, including early research, while refocusing the organization on the launch and growth of key products that provide far-reaching benefits to society. He also led the formation of philanthropic and other initiatives that build on Merck’s 130-year legacy.
Ken joined the company in 1992 and held positions of increasing responsibility, including General Counsel and President. Prior to joining Merck, Ken was a partner with the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath.
He sits on the boards of PhRMA, Weill Cornell Medicine, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Catalyst, the National Constitution Center, and Cornerstone Christian Academy in Philadelphia, PA. He is co-founder and co-chair of OneTen, a coalition of leading organizations committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting one million Black Americans into family-sustaining jobs. OneTen is committed to facilitating a meaningful, measurable, and lasting impact on racial and economic justice. Ken also is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, The Business Council, the Council of the American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, and a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Distinguished business leaders discuss the business community’s perspective on the importance of access to justice during the pandemic.
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