AbbVie has announced that Robert A. Michael has assumed the role of chief executive officer (CEO) and has joined AbbVie's Board of Directors, effective today.

As previously announced, Michael succeeds Richard A. Gonzalez, who has served as CEO since the company's inception in 2013. Gonzalez has become executive chairman of the board of directors.

Michael previously served as president and Chief Operating Officer of AbbVie and has been a longstanding member of AbbVie's Executive Leadership Team. In the role of president and chief operating officer, Michael was responsible for global commercial operations, finance, corporate human resources, global operations, business development and corporate strategy for the company. He was previously appointed vice chairman and president in 2022, vice chairman, finance and commercial operations in 2021 and chief financial officer in 2018. 

Michael has more than 31 years of experience including leadership roles across multiple businesses, including pharmaceuticals, aesthetics, diagnostics, diabetes care and nutrition. He began his career with Abbott as a member of the financial development program. 

"It is an honor to step into the CEO role at AbbVie and build on Rick's achievements. Our mission to deliver innovative medicines to patients has never been more critical, and the opportunities before us are exciting. I look forward to working with our approximately 50,000 employees to drive the next phase of AbbVie's growth. I am committed to preserving our strong culture and delivering a remarkable impact for our patients, employees, shareholders and communities. I would like to thank Rick for his strong leadership for the past 11 years, and I am grateful he will continue to contribute to AbbVie as executive chairman," said Robert A. Michael, Chief Executive Officer, AbbVie.

"The board and I have great confidence in Rob, and we know that his combination of experience, skills and vision uniquely prepares him to lead AbbVie," said Richard A. Gonzalez, Executive Chairman, AbbVie.

"We have the right leadership team in place, the strategy and the financial foundation to ensure a bright future for AbbVie. It has been a privilege to serve with the people of AbbVie as CEO, and I look forward to working alongside Rob and the AbbVie Board of Directors to continue to deliver on our promise to patients worldwide," Gonzalez added.