Merck chairman announces retirement

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck chairman Richard Clark is retiring, the company said Thursday.



Merck announced that Clark, who remained chairman of the company after stepping down as president and CEO in 2010, would retire from the company and its board of directors as of Dec. 1. Kenneth Frazier took over as president and CEO in January 2011, and the board has elected him to serve as chairman following Clark's departure.



"I've been a part of Merck for more than 39 years — I always have and always will consider Merck to be an important part of my life and my extended family," Clark said. "It has been a great pleasure to work with the talented, dedicated people of Merck who are so committed to our mission of saving and improving lives around the world."

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