Merck’s Robert Davis Becomes New Chair of PhRMA Board

Bristol Myers Squibb's Christopher Boerner and Johnson & Johnson's Jennifer Taubert Assume New Leadership Positions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 18, 2026) - The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today announced that Merck Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert M. Davis has assumed the role of chair of the PhRMA Board of Directors. PhRMA also announced that Christopher Boerner, Ph.D. Board Chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, will serve as the new board chair-elect and Jennifer L. Taubert, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman, Innovative Medicine at Johnson & Johnson has assumed the role of treasurer.

"I'm pleased to assume the role of chair of the PhRMA Board of Directors. I look forward to partnering with colleagues and policymakers to continue to help Americans access the medicines they need while protecting our industry's ability to deliver the innovation that makes future breakthroughs possible," said Robert M. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Merck. "PhRMA member companies remain committed to enhancing U.S. communities and our country with the investment of more than $500 billion in manufacturing and infrastructure-creating more than 100,000 American jobs and injecting an estimated $1.2 trillion into the U.S. economy."

Since becoming CEO of Merck in 2021 and chairman of the board in 2022, Merck has deepened its focus on oncology and vaccines, while advancing one of the largest and most diverse pipelines of the company's history. Merck operates 15 sites and employs more than 30,000 people across the United States and over the next several years will invest more than $70 billion in capital and R&D spending. This includes recent announcements of manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Kansas and Delaware, which alone will create 1,200 full-time jobs and support 15,000 construction jobs.

"Rob Davis leads by example, with a deep commitment to discovering cures, lowering costs for patients and strengthening American leadership in medicine development," said PhRMA President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl. "With his leadership, we'll continue to push for solutions that strengthen innovation and tackle affordability challenges patients are facing."

Davis succeeds Dr. Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer, as PhRMA board chair. Under Dr. Bourla's leadership, Pfizer has achieved a record number of drug and vaccine approvals, doubled the size of its oncology pipeline, and streamlined commercial operations to better serve patients.

"I want to thank Albert for his strong and thoughtful leadership of our board over the last year," said PhRMA's Ubl. "Together, we've demonstrated the industry's commitment to solutions for American patients while making progress on the true drivers of health care costs. I look forward to his continued leadership in our association and industry in the months and years ahead."

Christopher Boerner of Bristol Myers Squibb and Jennifer Taubert of Johnson & Johnson also assumed new leadership roles on the PhRMA board. Boerner joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 2015 and has advanced innovative therapies in oncology, neuroscience, immunology and cardiovascular disease to address life-threatening conditions. Taubert joined Johnson & Johnson in 2005, driving global growth and building leading treatment portfolios in cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

About PhRMA

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. PhRMA member companies have invested more than $850 billion in the search for new treatments and cures over the last decade, supporting nearly five million jobs in the United States.

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For information on how innovative medicines save lives, please visit:
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www.AmericasMedicines.com
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