New York, NY – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today honored Raymond Gilmartin with its 2004 World Trade Award. Mr. Gilmartin is Chairman, President and CEO of Merck & Co. He will receive the award on December 10 at NFTC’s World Trade Dinner in New York.
“Ray Gilmartin has led Merck with distinction for a decade. During his tenure, Merck has tackled major global health problems by increasing access to life saving medicines and vaccines in countries throughout the world. His dedication to philanthropic outreach is truly remarkable, and has directly enhanced the health and well-being of millions of people around the world. Ray Gilmartin exemplifies the spirit of the NFTC World Trade Award,” said Michael Jordan, Chairman of the NFTC and Chairman & CEO of EDS.
This year’s NFTC World Trade Award Committee chose Mr. Gilmartin for the award based on his leadership in improving global health and access to medicines. In 2004, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Merck the number one corporate donor in the United States for the second year in a row. In September 2002 Merck earned one of only two Triple-A ratings for ethics by the Management & Excellence group. The Economist stated that Merck has “won the admiration of advocates of corporate responsibility,” and is considered the “acceptable face of capitalism.”
Mr. Gilmartin is active in issues that involve the pharmaceutical industry, both globally and domestically. In 2003, he was sworn in as a member of President Bush’s Export Council. He was asked to chair the Subcommittee on Stewardship to emphasize that America’s companies not only bring their capital, but also their values to world markets.
Mr. Gilmartin joined Merck as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 1994. He was named Chairman of the Board in November 1994. Merck has been an active member of the NFTC for over 30 years.
Dating from 1937, NFTC’s World Trade Award was established by the Dollar Family of San Francisco in memory of Captain Robert Dollar, pioneer in American shipping and world trade and a charter member of the National Foreign Trade ouncil.
The Award has been given to 48 Americans, including Government officials, industrialists, bankers, and shipping, publishing and association leaders. Last year, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Lee Raymond accepted the award. Other past winners include Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, awarded in 1938; George Schultz (Bechtel), awarded in 1974; David Rockefeller (Chase Manhattan Bank), awarded in 1964; and William E. Brock (United States Trade Representative), awarded in 1982.
