Friday, September 26, 2025

Leadership Transition at Merck: Kai Beckmann to Succeed Belén Garijo as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board

Merck announces a smooth leadership transition: On May 1, 2026, Kai Beckmann will assume the role of CEO and Chair of the Executive Board, succeeding Belén Garijo, who will step down at the planned end of her tenure.

Beckmann, a Member of the Executive Board since 2011 and currently CEO of Electronics, will immediately become Deputy CEO until a successor for his current role is appointed. Under his leadership, the Performance Materials business was successfully transformed into a pure-play Electronics business, now a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Belén Garijo will leave Merck after 15 years. As CEO, she steered the company through the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges, drove sustainable growth, and led key portfolio decisions. She positioned Merck as a global leader in science and technology, leaving behind a strong foundation for the company’s future.

Johannes Baillou, Chairman of the Board of Partners of E. Merck KG, emphasized: “Belén Garijo has successfully guided Merck through transformative years, returning the company to profitable growth. At the same time, we have in Kai Beckmann an experienced internal successor, ready to shape the next chapter of growth for Merck.”

Beyond his long-standing career at Merck, Beckmann also serves as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bundesdruckerei Gruppe and as Vice President of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA).

With this transition, Merck ensures continuity and seamless succession to a proven transformation expert.