Merck, George W.

Merck, George W. (Wilhelm Emanuel)

(1894–1957) chemicals executive; born in New York City. A Harvard-trained chemist, he joined Merck and Co., the family chemical firm, in 1915; he was president (1925–50) and chairman (1949–57). He developed the aggressive research program that shifted Merck's focus to pharmaceuticals and made it a leader in manufacturing vitamins, sulfa drugs, and cortisone. He directed the War Research Service during World War II.