A native of Almansa, Spain, born in 1960, Belén Garijo’s career began in medicine. Trained as a clinical pharmacologist, she spent her early professional years at La Paz Hospital in Madrid. It was after this that she moved into the corporate world. She is now based at Merck’s headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Her journey has taken her to major cities like Paris, New Jersey, and Chicago, reflecting the truly global nature of her career.
Belén Garijo has been at the helm of Merck as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board since May 2021. She has been instrumental in transforming the company’s global operations and under her leadership, Merck has been reimagined as a forward-thinking science and technology leader. Merck positioned itself for sustained long-term growth under the able leadership of Garijo. She has managed to unite a workforce of 63,000 people, spread across 65 countries, under the “One Merck” banner. This initiative fosters a shared focus on delivering value for both customers and patients.
Garijo’s association with Merck dates back to 2011 when she joined the company to oversee its Healthcare business – her initial stint. By 2015 she was appointed the President and CEO of Merck’s Healthcare sector. She spearheaded the division’s turnaround, strategically pivoting towards oncology and immunology. Her efforts involved a comprehensive reshuffling of the company’s R&D activities and a rethink of its commercial strategy. She also brokered key global partnerships that bolstered Merck’s global footprint and enabled the company to refocus its attention on high-potential markets such as the United States, Japan, and other developmental hotspots.
Before her time at Merck, Garijo had an illustrious career in the healthcare industry. Notably, she was Senior Vice President of Global Operations in Europe at Sanofi-Aventis. Here she played a key role in integrating Genzyme following its acquisition. Her extensive experience spans several executive roles in research and development as well as commercial operations across major international firms. This body of work contributes to her reputation as a formidable figure in the sector.
Her influence hasn’t gone unnoticed. In recent years, Garijo has garnered accolades for her leadership. She has been featured in Fortune and Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women” lists in both 2022 and 2023. The accolades continued as she was honoured with the German Diversity Award in 2022 and got named Honorary Brand Ambassador for Spain by King Felipe VI. Most recently, in 2024, she received the John M. McCloy Award from the American Council in Germany, recognizing her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strengthening transatlantic relations.
About Belén Garijo’s leadership style
Visionary:
Garijo has reshaped Merck into a future-thinking science and technology company, always focusing on long-term growth. Her leadership is all about looking ahead and setting the company up for sustained success.
Transformational leadership:
She’s led a major transformation at Merck, particularly in the healthcare division. Her ability to restructure R&D and rethink the commercial strategy highlights her knack for turning around key business areas.
Unifying force:
One of her standout qualities is her ability to bring people together. Under her “One Merck” initiative, she’s managed to align 63,000 employees across 65 countries. This initiative created a unified focus on customer and patient value.
Global outlook:
With a career spanning major global markets, Garijo has an international approach to leadership. She prioritizes high-growth regions like the U.S. and Japan. Her knack for forging global partnerships has strengthened Merck’s global presence.
Inclusive leadership:
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Garijo’s leadership. Her commitment to these values has earned her numerous awards and recognitions. It shows her dedication to fostering an equitable working environment.