Merck Chairman To Retire

Chairman Richard T. Clark will retire from Merck’s board of directors effective December 1st. Mr. Clark led the company for five years as president and chief executive officer from 2005 through 2010. He has served as a director since May 2005 and chairman since 2007. Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck’s president and chief executive officer and board member — appointed this past January— has been elected to serve as chairman.

Speaking on behalf of Merck’s board of directors, William B. Harrison, lead director, stated, “Dick is an outstanding leader whose determination and dedication ensured that Merck is an industry leader with a bright and strong future. Over the course of his impressive tenure at Merck, Dick successfully restored investor confidence at a difficult time and steered our company through numerous challenges. Through the strategic plan Dick put in place, Merck experienced strong performance, culminating in the successful merger and integration of Merck and Schering-Plough. I thank Dick for his exceptional leadership and guidance, and wish him and his family the very best.”
 
Mr. Clark said, “I have been a part of Merck for more than 39 years – I always have and always will consider Merck to be an important part of my life and my extended family. It has been a great pleasure to work with the talented, dedicated people of Merck who are so committed to our mission of saving and improving lives around the world. I am confident that under Ken Frazier’s leadership, the company is well positioned for continued success in the future.”