Robert A. Michael Becomes AbbVie CEO

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Robert A. Michael has assumed the role of CEO at AbbVie.¹ He has replaced Richard A. Gonzalez, who stepped down from the role after serving in it since 2013. Michael will also join the board the directors.

In a press release, Michael said, “It is an honor to step into the CEO role at AbbVie and build on Rick's achievements. Our mission to deliver innovative medicines to patients has never been more critical, and the opportunities before us are exciting. I look forward to working with our approximately 50,000 employees to drive the next phase of AbbVie's growth. I am committed to preserving our strong culture and delivering a remarkable impact for our patients, employees, shareholders and communities. I would like to thank Rick for his strong leadership for the past 11 years, and I am grateful he will continue to contribute to AbbVie as executive chairman."

In the same press release, Gonzalez added, “The board and I have great confidence in Rob, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares him to lead AbbVie. We have the right leadership team in place, the strategy and the financial foundation to ensure a bright future for AbbVie. It has been a privilege to serve with the people of AbbVie as CEO, and I look forward to working alongside Rob and the AbbVie Board of Directors to continue to deliver on our promise to patients around the world."

In June of this year, AbbVIe also announced that Roxanne S. Austin would serve as lead independent director of the board of directors.² She is replacing Gell Tilton, who like Gonzalez, served in the role since 2013.

In a press release, Gonzalez said, “One of AbbVie's greatest strengths is an experienced, diverse and highly independent Board of Directors committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. The appointment of Roxanne as lead independent director reflects a thorough and deliberate process by the independent directors of the Board, who strongly believe that her experience and leadership ability make her highly qualified to lead the AbbVie Board. Roxanne has provided keen insights and guidance as an independent director since joining the Board in 2013. I'm delighted that she will bring her expertise to us in this role, especially as we make the important transition in executive leadership when Rob Michael assumes the role of AbbVie's CEO on July 1."

In the same press release, Austin also said, "I am honored to have received the support of AbbVie's Board in this important role, and I am excited to partner with the Board and management team as we embark on this important next phase in AbbVie's growth. I would like to thank Glenn for his invaluable guidance as an independent director for many years. His leadership has been marked by integrity, intelligence and determination, and AbbVie will benefit tremendously by his continued service on the Board."

Tilton added, “The independent directors of AbbVie were unanimous in their support for Roxanne as the new lead independent director of the Board. She will provide thoughtful strategic leadership to the company and will work diligently to ensure AbbVie continues to deliver results to all our stakeholders with passion and integrity. It has been extremely rewarding to serve as the lead independent director at AbbVie for the past 11 years. I am excited for the company's future and am pleased to continue working with Roxanne, Rick, Rob and the rest of AbbVie's Board to build on the company's success."

Source

1. Robert A. Michael Assumes Role as AbbVie Chief Executive Officer. AbbVie. July 1, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robert-a-michael-assumes-role-as-abbvie-chief-executive-officer-302186870.html
2. AbbVie Appoints Roxanne S. Austin as Lead Independent Director of the Board of Directors. AbbVie. June 20, 2024. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abbvie-appoints-roxanne-s-austin-as-lead-independent-director-of-the-board-of-directors-302177385.html