Merck CFO Robert Davis (CEORater Profile Here), will become Merck CEO in June. Mr. Davis has real operating experience outside of his CFO role as he also serves as EVP, Global Services. In addition to Finance, IT, Procurement and Real Estate Operations – common responsibilities for a number of CFOs – Mr. Davis’s responsibilities also include Corporate Strategy and Business Development. The latter two operating responsibilities would typically be shared between a full-time executive (the point person) and the CEO. The fact that Mr. Davis has broad operating responsibilities – his role was expanded to its current form in 2016 – suggests he should transition into the CEO role quite smoothly.
