AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has announced that its board of directors has unanimously elected Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Michael to take on the additional role of chairman, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Richard A. Gonzalez, who has served as chairman since the company’s formation in 2013 and was previously its CEO.
The board expressed strong support for Michael’s appointment, with lead independent director Roxanne S. Austin acknowledging Gonzalez’s contributions and stating that the board had full confidence in Michael’s leadership. She emphasized that his integrity, strategic vision, and commitment to AbbVie’s employees, patients, and shareholders made him well-suited to guide the company into its next phase of growth.
Michael expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, recognizing Gonzalez’s leadership over the past 12 years. He stated that he looked forward to working alongside the board to build on AbbVie’s success and make a meaningful impact on patients, employees, shareholders, and communities.
Gonzalez also reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the board’s support and calling his time at AbbVie the greatest privilege of his career. He conveyed confidence in Michael and the board’s ability to steer the company forward, continuing to deliver innovative medicines and value to shareholders.
In addition to the chairman transition, AbbVie announced that Glenn F. Tilton would retire from the board effective July 1, 2025. Tilton had served as lead independent director from 2013 to 2024 before being succeeded by Austin in July 2024.
Michael, who currently serves as CEO, has held multiple leadership positions within AbbVie. Before assuming the top role, he served as president and chief operating officer, overseeing global commercial operations, finance, corporate human resources, global operations, business development, and corporate strategy. He has played a key role in shaping AbbVie’s business strategy, including navigating the end of Humira’s exclusivity in the U.S.
Michael’s tenure at AbbVie has included appointments as vice chairman and president in 2022, vice chairman of finance and commercial operations in 2021, and chief financial officer in 2018. With over 32 years of experience across pharmaceuticals, aesthetics, diagnostics, diabetes care, and nutrition, he began his career at Abbott as part of its financial development program.
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