Beckmann has led the performance materials business sector since 2017 and served on the executive board since 2011. He will take over as chair of the executive board and CEO on May 1, 2026, the company said. He will continue to lead the company's electronics division as deputy CEO, effective immediately, until a successor is appointed, the company added. Since joining Merck in 1989, Kai Beckmann has held global roles of responsibility, such as managing director of Merck in Singapore and Malaysia as well as chief information officer. Beyond Merck, Kai Beckmann is the chairperson of the supervisory board of secure printing group Bundesdruckerei and serves as vice president of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations.