Biography: Willie A. Deese

April 2, 2013 0402deese
CEO Lecture
Willie A. Deese
President Merck Manufacturing Division

Willie A. Deese is Executive Vice President and President of the Merck Manufacturing Division, with responsibility  for Merck’s worldwide manufacturing operations.  He oversees a network of more than 80 manufacturing and distribution sites with approximately 26,000 employees in over 25 countries around the world, with an operating budget of $9.0 B.  He is also responsible for Merck’s global procurement organization.  Mr. Deese serves as a  member of Merck’s Executive Committee. Mr. Deese joined Merck as Senior Vice President, Global Procurement, in January 2004, after having established a track record of outstanding success as an executive and manager for several pharmaceutical, health care and high technology companies, including GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, PLC; SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, PLC; Kaiser Permanente; and Digital Equipment Corporation.  Mr. Deese earned his B.A. in Business Administration at North Carolina A&T State University and his M.B.A. at Western New England College.