Kenneth Frazier, better known as Ken, is an American attorney and businessman born on December 17, 1954 (age 69) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the former Executive Chairman of Merck & Co., a renowned pharmaceutical company, and served as its CEO for a decade until 2021.
Throughout his time at the American pharmaceutical giant, he held numerous roles, led major legal cases, and served on multiple boards and committees. Frazier’s entry into Merck & Co. was the result of his strong performance at a law firm.
How did Frazier’s story begin?
He attended Northeast High School in Philadelphia. His mother passed away when he was twelve, and he grew up in a modest environment. By age 17, he was enrolled at Pennsylvania State University.
After this first academic step and working small jobs for extra income, Frazier pursued his passion. He was admitted to Harvard Law School, where he graduated with honors.
In 1978, at age 24, he earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard. His next step was joining Drinker Biddle & Reath, a large Philadelphia law firm, where he gained formative experience.
Early career milestones
Drinker Biddle & Reath became the foundation of his legal career. A few years in, Frazier was chosen to defend a man facing the death penalty—a landmark case in which Frazier successfully overturned the sentence.
Coincidentally, one of Frazier’s clients at the firm was Merck & Co. Following his performance in the previous case, in 1992 he joined the pharmaceutical company as a corporate lawyer and legal advisor—a major career step.
Seven years later, he was promoted to Senior General Counsel, an elevated position. In 2007, he became Executive Vice President and head of the company’s Health division, one of its most complex sectors.
Chairman, CEO, and committee roles
While serving as Senior General Counsel, Frazier was also named Executive Chairman and CEO, becoming the first African American to lead one of the world’s top corporations. Later, Time magazine listed him among the most influential people globally.
He gained particular recognition for his leadership in research. As CEO, he prioritized the development of medicines and vaccines over company profits. He also emphasized product sustainability.
In terms of investments and net worth, Frazier saw continued financial growth year after year. He even purchased shares in the company. In 2015, The New York Times named him one of the 100 highest-paid CEOs.
Before the pandemic, Frazier sold all his shares in Merck, earning millions. Before stepping down, he was named CEO of the Year by his peers and received a distinguished business award.
Beyond Merck and the legal field, Frazier plays a prominent civic role. He has served on boards connected to the U.S. Constitution, oil companies, and pharmaceutical trade organizations.
He was also called upon by Pennsylvania State University to assist in a legal case and is a member of a national legal institute. Along with Temple University, he invested millions to address issues impacting the African American community.
Notably, Frazier leads OneTen, an organization that supports the Black community and promotes equity and justice. He is a vocal figure on these issues and has earned numerous accolades from foundations, schools, and public institutions.
Today, he continues to serve on various boards, contributing his expertise and leadership. The former CEO and Chairman of Merck & Co. remains an influential force in education, justice, and corporate leadership.