In February 2022, Frank Clyburn was named the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of the Board of Directors of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). This announcement increased the number of Black executives leading Fortune 500 companies to six. The other five Black CEOs include Marvin Ellison of Lowe's, Roz Brewer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA, Ren F. Jones of M&T Bank, and David Rawlinson II of Quarte Retail.
Prior to joining IFF, Clyburn served as the Executive Vice President and President of Human Health for Merck & Co., where he had full P&L responsibility for their largest business. He played a key role in building one of the leading oncology businesses in the world, which has transformed cancer care on a global scale. Clyburn was integral to Merck’s $41 billion acquisition of Schering-Plough, helping the company achieve strong top-line growth and significant cost synergies.
Clyburn joined Merck in 2008 and held various positions, including Chief Commercial Officer, inaugural President of the Global Oncology business, and President of the Primary Care and Women’s Health businesses. He also spearheaded the creation of Merck's Global Oncology business and executed the worldwide launch of Merck’s immuno-oncology medicine, establishing the company as a leader in oncology.
Previously, Clyburn was Vice President of the Oncology and Internal Medicine business units at Sanofi Aventis, where he held a range of leadership roles and was involved in the $65 billion integration of Sanofi and Aventis.
Education:
Clyburn received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Arizona State University and his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Franklin & Marshall College.
- Arizona State University (1998 - 2000): Master of Business Administration
- Franklin & Marshall College (1982 - 1986): Bachelor of Arts
Board Memberships:
- Chairman, Board of Trustees - Thomas Edison State University
- Past: DuPont
- European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)
Fun Fact: Clyburn is a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Frank Clyburn's profile is part of our Black Excellence Series.
