Renee Connolly is Chief Belonging & Inclusion (B&I) Officer for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and SVP of Communications and Branding for its Life Science business.
She leads the company’s global B&I strategy, focused on fostering an inclusive and purpose-driven culture across its €21 billion enterprise. In her Life Science role, she oversees communications, brand strategy, and creative services that bring the company’s science, people, and purpose to life.
With over 20 years at the company, Renee has played a key role in shaping its identity and transformation. She led communications for the €14.5 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich and launched global initiatives like SPARK TM and Curiosity Labs TM to support STEM education.
Renee is a passionate advocate and community leader. She serves on the boards of the International Women’s Forum (Massachusetts), the American Cancer Society (New England), The Home for Little Wanderers, and is President of the Massachusetts Conference for Women. She holds a journalism degree from Ithaca College and lives in Boston with her husband and four children.