Renee Connolly is Chief Belonging and Inclusion 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, representative, and purpose-driven culture across its €21bn enterprise. In her Life Science role, she oversees communications, brand strategy, and creative services that bring the company’s science, people and purpose forward.

With over 20 years at the company, Renee has played a key role in shaping its identity and transformation. She led communications for the €14.5bn acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich and launched global initiatives supporting STEM education.

She serves on the boards of the International Women’s Forum (Massachusetts), the American Cancer Society (New England) and 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, USA, with her four children.