ALI Oral History Series: Ken Frazier

Kenneth C. Frazier has served as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Co., Inc. since 2011. Under Ken's leadership, Merck is delivering innovative lifesaving medicines and vaccines as well as long-term and sustainable value to its multiple stakeholders. He has substantially increased Merck’s investment in research, including early research, while refocusing the organization on the launch and growth of key products that provide benefit to society. Ken has also led the formation of philanthropic and other initiatives that build on Merck’s 125-year plus legacy.

Ken joined the company in 1992 and has held positions of increasing responsibility including General Counsel and President. Prior to joining Merck, Ken was a partner with the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath (now known as Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath). His contributions, especially in the legal, business and humanitarian fields, have been widely recognized. He sits on the boards of PhRMA, Weill Cornell Medicine, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Cornerstone Christian Academy in Philadelphia, PA. He also is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, The Business Council, and the American Bar Association.

He was elected to the ALI in December 1996 and was elected to the Council in 2003. Ken received his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Alfred W. Putnam Jr. is Senior Counsel and Chairman Emeritus at Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath. He is a trial and appellate litigator clients turn to when the stakes are at their highest. He has won two million-dollar jury verdicts in federal commercial cases and has tried cases in several courts of common pleas and orphans courts. Alfy is also experienced in commercial arbitration proceedings. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Law Institute.

Alfy is perhaps best known for his experience in the appellate process. A former law clerk to the Honorable Arlin M. Adams on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, he taught a course in appellate advocacy at the University of Pennsylvania Law School for five years. His appellate work has produced excellent results for clients including, in some cases, favorable settlements after the briefs were filed but the cases were argued and decided.

Several of Alfy’s matters have involved disputes between joint venturers or among shareholders of closely held companies. He has both trial and appellate experience in cases involving “dissenters’ rights” statutes and has both brought and defended suits based on the protections given certain minority shareholders under Pennsylvania’s Business Corporation Law.

Alfy received bachelor’s degrees from Harvard University and the University of Oxford, and his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.