Merck‘s current Chief executive officer, Kenneth C. Frazier, shall rest in his position beyond December 2019, when he turns 65. The announcement followed the decision of Merck’s Board of Directors that rescinded the CEO’s mandatory retirement at age 65. “CEO succession has been our top priority, and removing the mandatory retirement policy enables the Board to make the best decision concerning the timing of that transition,” said Leslie A. Brun, lead director, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors.