John Horan
 John Horan  (businessman) | |
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| Born | July 9, 1920 |
| Died | 22 January 2011 (Age 90) |
| Nationality | USA |
| Alma mater | Manhattan College, Columbia University Law School |
Led Merck in becoming the largest pharmaceutical company in the world
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John Joseph Horan was CEO of Merck & Company from 1976 to 1985.[1] By the end of his term as CEO, Horan had led Merck in becoming the largest pharmaceutical company in the world and he one of the highest-paid chief executives in the country.
Early Career
Horan received an A.B. from Manhattan College in 1940 and a J.D. degree from Columbia University Law School in 1946.
He was an officer in the US Navy, serving with its Amphibious Forces during World War II, then as staff communications officer.
Merck
In 1952, he joined Merck’s legal department. He rose steadily, serving as general counsel, director of public relations, director of research administration, director of corporate planning, and president of Merck Sharp & Dohme, a Merck & Co. subsidiary. He was later appointed Merck & Co.’s president and chief operating officer.[1]
By the end of his term as CEO, Horan had led Merck in becoming the largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Horan supported research that led to the development of ivermectin, a medication that helps prevent and treat the tropical disease known as river blindness and many others. He also helped forge a long-running global partnership with a range of governments, intergovernmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations that "today serves as a model for governmental and business cooperation in humanitarian efforts in developing nations."[1]
He was one of the highest-paid chief executives in the country. In 1984, U.S. News & World Report put his salary and bonuses at $931,000, more than counterparts at corporations like Philip Morris and J. P. Morgan.
While at Merck, Horan served as chairman of the board for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and as a member of the Business Roundtable.
Upon his retirement from management at Merck, Horan continued to serve as a member of the company’s board of directors and as its vice chairman until 1993. He also played an active role in the development of the biotechnology industry, serving as chairman of the board of Myriad Genetics, chairman of Atrix Laboratories, and director of Celgene.
Death
He died aged 90.
Events Participated in
| Event | Start | End | Location(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilderberg/1984 | 11 May 1984 | 13 May 1984 | Sweden Saltsjöbaden | The 32nd Bilderberg, held in Sweden |
| Bilderberg/1985 | 10 May 1985 | 12 May 1985 | New York US Arrowwood of Westchester Rye Brook | The 33rd Bilderberg, held in Canada |
