Kai Beckmann, CEO of the Electronics division, will lead the entire Merck Group from May 2026 and drive the company's continued growth.

Merck, a global science and technology company, announced that Kai Beckmann, CEO of its Electronics business, will be appointed Chairman of the Board of Management and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective May 1, 2026.

This decision follows the end of the term of office of current Chairman Belén Garijo, and Merck has appointed Beckmann as Deputy CEO with immediate effect to ensure a smooth leadership transition and business continuity.

Chairman Gariho worked at Merck for 15 years, serving as CEO of the Healthcare division and Group CEO.

She led sustainable growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability, and strengthened Merck's global position through strategic portfolio adjustments, including the acquisition of SpringWorks and the sale of Surface Solutions.

In particular, the company achieved outstanding results in the healthcare sector by successfully promoting the global commercialization of the multiple sclerosis treatment drug 'Mavenclad'.

Johannes Baillou E. The Chairman of the Merck KG Executive Board said, “Chairman Gariho has grown Merck into a leading global science and technology company and has established a high-impact culture, thereby enhancing the future competitiveness of the organization.”

He added, “Kai Beckmann is a leader with a deep understanding of global business and innovative capabilities, making him the right person to lead Merck’s continued growth.”

Since joining Merck in 1989, Beckmann has held various global positions, including Managing Director for Singapore and Malaysia, Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Since 2017, he has been in charge of the Performance Materials business unit, which he reorganized into Merck Electronics and developed into a key ecosystem player in the semiconductor industry.

He has also been active in German industry, serving as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Bundesdruckerei Gruppe, Vice Chairman of the German Management Association (BDA), and Chairman of the German Chemical Management Association (BAVC).