Garijo shaped Merck during a period of global uncertainty and led the company through the Covid pandemic and geopolitical upheaval. Under her leadership, the portfolio was sharpened, including the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics and the divestment of the Surface Solutions business. She also established a new performance culture and drove forward the transformation of the Healthcare segment.
Beckmann joined the company in 1989 and is currently responsible for Electronics, which has become a key global player in the semiconductor industry under his leadership. His career at Merck includes senior positions in Asia as well as central administrative functions. He will now use his experience to shape the next phase of growth in Life Science, Healthcare and Electronics.
For Merck, this change in leadership marks both continuity and a new departure. While Garijo has shaped the transformation of the Group, Beckmann is to write the next chapter with a focus on global technology expertise and sustainable growth.
News of "Merck KGaA" from 25 September 2025