Renee Connolly is the Chief Belonging & Inclusion (B&I) Officer for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Senior Vice President of Communications & Branding for its Life Science business.
As B&I Officer, Connolly leads the global strategy to foster an inclusive and purpose-driven workplace. Her work focuses on embedding B&I into the company’s culture and operations, of the €21 billion enterprise, spanning 62,000 employees in 65 countries. supporting both business and employee development.
As the Global Head and SVP of Communications and Branding for the Life Sciences business, Connolly oversees internal and external communications for the €8.9 billion business with more than 26,000 employees, as well as brand strategy and creative services. Her team supports global business with integrated campaigns that bring its science, people, and purpose to life.
With more than 20 years at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Connolly has played a pivotal role in driving strategic transformation and shaping the company’s identity. She previously led Communications and Business Markets / Services for the Life Science business, and in 2015, she directed the communication strategy for the €14.5 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich, the largest in company history. She also launched SPARK™ global volunteer program and Curiosity Labs™ program, which brings hands-on STEM education to students around the world.
Earlier in her career, Connolly served as Vice President of U.S. Communications for the company’s Healthcare business and worked in public and investor relations in New York City, supporting biotech, pharmaceutical and life science clients.
Connolly is a passionate advocate and community leader. She serves on the boards the International Women’s Forum of Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society’s New England Region chapter, the Home for Little Wanderers and is the current President of the Massachusetts Conference for Women. She is a past recipient of the Working Mother of the Year award from Working Mother Magazine and of the American Cancer Society’s Cindy Lombardo Service Above Self Award for her support in the fight against cancer.
Connolly holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ithaca College. She lives in Boston with her husband and four children.
