Bart Kerkman

Bart Kerkman is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) & Head of Data, Digital and IT (DDIT) for the Life Science business of Merck. In this role, he leads the global Data-, Analytics- and Information Technology team to define and advance the technology strategy and drive digital transformation. As CIO, Bart is a principal advisor to the CEO of the Life Science business regarding the astute use of Data, Analytics and IT to advance the company's goals. In addition to his role as CIO, Bart also leads the Life Science Darmstadt Hub and is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Life Science business of Merck.

Prior to his current role, Bart led the Global ERP unit of the company’s IT group, providing direction for simplifying and streamlining the execution of sector ERP programs.

Bart began his career in IT in 2000 at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. After 3.5 years as an ERP consultant, he joined Henkel as an internal SAP consultant and in the same year relocated to the US to support the integration of a major acquisition. Returning after two years to Düsseldorf, Bart continued to take up further responsibilities over the years in IT, ranging from SAP Project/Program Management, IT Key Account Management, IT Infrastructure and -Application Management as well as regional IT leadership in IMEA and Europe.

From 2014 until 2022, Bart was a member of the IT Executive Committee at Henkel, leading the global SAP Template rollout to more than 25,000 users in 60+ countries for all three Henkel business units. In 2020, he began leading a Business Technologies team at Henkel, comprised of global IT infrastructure, SAP architecture and operations, EDI/Integration, Workflow & Collaboration, IT Service Management and the Europe region.​