Who is Belén Garijo?

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Belén Garijo: Championing leadership and women in STEM

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Belén Garijo is more than a CEO, she’s a trailblazer in the pharmaceutical world and a leading advocate for women in science. As the head of Merck Group, she combines corporate leadership with a clear mission: driving innovation while creating opportunities for the next generation of STEM talent. Her voice carries weight across industries, inspiring professionals with both data-driven insights and bold calls for change.

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1. Who she is

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Belén Garijo is the CEO of Merck Group, one of the world’s oldest and most respected pharmaceutical companies. Originally from Spain, she carved her path with a strong academic foundation in medicine and an early career in clinical practice before transitioning to the pharmaceutical sector. Her journey at Merck has been marked by transformative leadership, guiding the company through expansion and new areas of innovation such as AI in drug development. Beyond business, she positions herself as a visible advocate for women in STEM, regularly sharing insights that blend professional milestones with personal reflections. Her leadership style emphasizes long-term vision, inclusivity, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global health landscape.

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2. A network of heavyweights

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Belén’s network is as powerful as her position suggests. Connected with top executives from Siemens, healthcare leaders, and international organizations, she sits at the heart of influential conversations that shape the industry. Merck Group itself is a central pillar in her network, but her reach extends to academia, innovation forums, and cross-industry partnerships. These connections highlight her credibility as a global voice and her ability to influence both science and policy.

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3. Why people listen

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Her communication is a blend of authority and approachability. She shares corporate milestones like quarterly results alongside reflective posts about leadership, mentoring, and diversity. Followers value her clarity, the balance of numbers and narratives, and her willingness to highlight both opportunities and challenges. By showing the human side of executive leadership, she turns what could be corporate updates into engaging, relatable conversations.

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4. Authenticity that resonates

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Belén scores a perfect 100/100 Authenticity Score, and it shows in her content. Posts feature real-world data, behind-the-scenes views of Merck’s teams, and personal reflections on leadership. Her updates range from celebrating employees to sharing candid thoughts on quotas, proving her communication isn’t just polished PR. That mix of honesty and authority makes her relatable to young scientists and credible to industry veterans.

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5. Numbers that back it up

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With over 115K followers and steady organic growth from 81K, Belén’s influence is undeniable. She ranks in the top 1% on LinkedIn in Spain and among the top voices worldwide in startups and entrepreneurship. Her posts consistently draw thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments, with engagement rates that rival many digital-native influencers. An Influence Score of 8,112 points cements her as a heavyweight voice in business and science.

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6. Collaborations that matter

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Belén’s strongest collaborations come through Merck Group, where she champions partnerships in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Her visibility also extends to the World Economic Forum and other global platforms, positioning her as a thought leader in discussions about science, sustainability, and innovation. These collaborations underline her ability to merge executive decision-making with broader societal impact.

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7. Why brands should partner with her

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Working with Belén Garijo means partnering with one of the most credible voices in pharma and STEM. She offers brands a gateway to thought leadership and authentic engagement.

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• Thought leadership campaigns on women in STEM and inclusive leadership.

• Speaking at global conferences to represent healthcare, science, and innovation.

• Co-created content showcasing science-driven innovation and long-term industry trends.

• Strategic brand validation through association with Merck’s leadership in AI, pharma, and sustainability.

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8. What causes she defends

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Belén is a vocal advocate for women in STEM, actively encouraging young scientists to pursue careers in research and innovation. She also supports climate change initiatives and emphasizes sustainable growth in the pharmaceutical industry. Her content shows solidarity with Ukraine, reflecting her stance on broader global challenges. From celebrating female apprentices at Merck to highlighting the balance between quotas and merit, she consistently integrates advocacy into her professional narrative.

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9. Why she's relevant in 2025

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In 2025, pharma and biotech are navigating AI adoption, sustainability pressures, and shifting geopolitical landscapes. Belén’s leadership positions her as a central voice in these transformations. By connecting business performance with societal responsibility, she speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities shaping the next decade of healthcare. Her advocacy for STEM diversity ensures she remains not only relevant but essential to the global conversation.

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Conclusion: Leading with purpose

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Belén Garijo stands out as a leader who blends hard data with human values. Her influence reaches beyond the boardroom, inspiring professionals across industries to rethink leadership, innovation, and inclusivity. In an era when trust and transparency are scarce, her consistent voice brings both authority and authenticity. She’s not just leading Merck — she’s shaping the future of science and leadership worldwide.

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