Kai Beckmann appointed Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, effective May 1, 2026, succeeding Belén Garijo.124
Belén Garijo's tenure ends April 2026 after 15 years at Merck, including CEO roles in Healthcare and overall CEO since 2021; she will ensure seamless transition.127
Beckmann becomes Deputy Chair immediately and continues as CEO of Electronics; long-time Merck executive since 1989 with experience in HR, IT, and global leadership.126
Announcement follows Board of Partners decision in September 2025; confirmed at 2026 Annual General Meeting where Garijo symbolically passed baton to Beckmann.134
Garijo to become CEO of Sanofi post-Merck.78
Sources:
1. https://www.emdgroup.com/en/news/garijo-beckmann-25-09-25.html
2. https://pharmasource.global/content/news/cdmo-news/merck-appoints-kai-beckmann-as-next-ceo-effective-may-2026/
3. https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7206207
4. https://www.merckgroup.com/en/news/annual-general-meeting-2026.html
6. https://www.merckgroup.com/en/company/management/executive-board/kai-beckmann.html
7. https://www.industrial-production-worldwide.com/news/belen-garijo-become-new-ceo-sanofi-kai-beckmann-takes-over-top-job-merck
8. https://www.thepharmaletter.com/pharma-news/merck-s-belen-garijo-to-become-ceo-of-sanofi