Kai Beckmann to become Merck's new CEO on May 1, 2026

At the 31st Annual General Meeting, Belén Garijo symbolically handed over leadership of the DAX company to her successor after five years

29-Apr-2026

Belén Garijo passed symbolically the baton to Kai Beckmann.

Merck KGaA

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Merck symbolically marked the change of the company’s leadership at the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main on the occasion of the 31st Annual General Meeting. Kai Beckmann is to be appointed Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck on May 1, 2026, succeeding Belén Garijo whose contractual five-year term in office is coming to an end.

The shareholders approved all resolutions proposed by the management, including a dividend payment of € 2.20 per share, through which the shareholders will participate in the company’s success in 2025. This is thus the 15th consecutive year with an increasing or stable dividend.

Garijo reflects on five-year transformation

In her final speech to the Annual General Meeting, Belén Garijo acknowledged the development of the company during a period of global uncertainty: “In the last five years, we have led Merck through a time of extraordinary volatility and strengthened it considerably at the same time. (…) I am convinced that, under the leadership of Kai Beckmann, Merck will continue to strengthen and advance on this basis.”

Beckmann: Focus on progress and adaptability

After the symbolic handover, Kai Beckmann announced his intention to continue developing the company upon this strong foundation: “In everything we do and all our business endeavors, innovation drives us forward. Our portfolio is perfectly aligned with the spirit of the times. I see a key task of my tenure in fully leveraging the enormous potential of this combined portfolio. I am determined to drive the transformation forward with strength and, together with our more than 62,000 employees, to set the course for Merck’s successful development.”

In the last few months, Beckmann has visited numerous sites across the world to gain perspectives from employees, customers and partners.

Supervisory Board pays tribute to Garijo and looks ahead to new leadership

Michael Kleinemeier, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Merck KGaA, thanked Garijo on behalf of the Board for her leadership in challenging times while also acknowledging the upcoming change in leadership: “Belén Garijo has shown great commitment to strengthen Merck during a period of major global uncertainty and deployed her strategic skill to develop the company further. For this, she deserves our utmost gratitude. At the same time, I have full confidence that Kai Beckmann will lead Merck into the next growth phase with his profound knowledge of the company and his clear vision,” said Kleinemeier.