From Regional Player To $1.6 Billion Titan
July 18, 2025
Chief Executive magazine today announced Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, has been named 2025 Chief Executive of the Year by his peer CEOs. Ricks was selected by an independent committee of CEOs for his work leading the transformation of Lilly into one of the world’s most vital and valuable pharmaceutical companies.
“Dave Ricks is an exemplary leader,” said Ken Frazier, the former CEO of Merck and Chief Executive’s 2021 CEO of the Year, who served on this year’s selection committee. “His vision, resilience and commitment to Lilly’s core values: scientific excellence, patient-centered care, ethical business practices and respect for people have led the company to unprecedented levels of success, as measured by societal and shareholder value.”
Ricks, who began his career at Lilly in 1996 as a business development associate, became CEO in January 2017. In the eight years since he took over, Lilly has solidified its position as the most valuable publicly traded pharmaceutical company, with a market capitalization exceeding $780 billion as of early 2025.
Under Ricks, Lilly has positioned itself as the leader in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medicines to treat obesity and diabetes. The company’s donanemab, a treatment for Alzheimer’s, has been shown to slow disease progression. Ricks also reduced the price of its most-commonly prescribed insulins—Humalog and Humulin—by 70 percent, an industry-leading move that was lauded by patients, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Diabetes Association.
“I am truly grateful to accept this award as recognition of the incredible work being undertaken by my Lilly colleagues around the world,” said Ricks. “Their unwavering commitment to tackling the most critical health challenges with science, courage and persistence has yielded life-changing medicines for millions of people. It’s a privilege to continue advancing our company’s 150-year legacy, fully aware that our potential to transform human health has never been greater.”
Said Stanley Bergman, CEO of Henry Schein and our 2017 CEO of the Year: “This is a well-deserved recognition for a leader who has not only delivered exceptional growth at Lilly but has done so with a rare combination of strategic clarity and deep respect for people. Under Dave’s leadership, Lilly has accelerated innovation, scaled breakthrough treatments and created extraordinary shareholder value—all while fostering a culture grounded in purpose and integrity.” Bergman also served on this year’s selection committee.
Said Ted Bililies, Ph.D., global leader of transformative leadership and managing partner at AlixPartners, who serves as advisor to the CEO of the Year selection committee: “It is hard to think of a more transformative leader than Dave Ricks. He has set a clear and compelling vision at Lilly and never wavers from his goals, whether in the acceleration of drug development for the benefits of patients or in the service of his employees and community. Dave combines wise stewardship with compassion, focus and accountability.”
Ricks’ selection as 2025 CEO of the Year is scheduled to be celebrated at an invitation-only event hosted by Chief Executive Group this October.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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2:00 - 5:00 pm
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10:30 - 5:00 pm
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