Menu KEN FRAZIER RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Diversity sparks innovation. All photos, Imagine Photography, Washington, DC That was the message delivered by Merck Chairman and CEO Ken Frazier at an event honoring him and others for their support of diversity, inclusion and achievement in business by the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the preeminent membership organization for the development of global black leaders on Thursday, Oct. 8th. In accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Executive Leadership Foundation (ELF), the charitable affiliate of the ELC, which supports their mission through education, leadership development and academic scholarships, Ken stressed Merck’s belief that increasing and building inclusive organizations are essential to advancing innovation. “One of humanity’s biggest risks is discounting someone’s ideas because of their ethnicity, gender or educational background,” Ken said to the audience of 2,300 guests attending the celebration in National Harbor, Md. ELF also honored former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder for his career in public service, and Caterpiller for its contributions to the advancement of black corporate executives. “As a member of the Executive Leadership Council, I have seen firsthand the wonderful contributions this organization has made to individuals and to companies around the world,” said Willie A. Deese, executive vice president, Merck Manufacturing Division, and a member of the ELC. “So, it is a particularly proud moment to see Ken receive this distinction and be recognized for his own success and the impact he’s making at Merck and on the world.” Merck’s Support for the Executive Leadership Council Merck has been a strong supporter of ELC’s Institute for Leadership Development & Research which helps strengthen the talent pipeline of black leaders, providing first class leadership development programs that enhance individual growth and prepare executives for leadership roles. In particular, Merck has sponsored ELC’s Leadership Development Week and the Strengthening the Pipeline program which help participants gain an understanding of more advanced concepts in leadership with a special emphasis on enhancing self-awareness, learning to navigate the organization and creating a career development plan. SHARE: MERCK’S CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY Many of the world’s most significant ideas are born when different kinds of people from different kinds of places come together to share perspectives. That’s the inspiration behind our company’s new Global Diversity & Inclusion strategy. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Executive Leadership Council (ELC) is a national organization comprised of black CEOs, board directors and senior executives who are working to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities where they serve. Learn more here. Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map