Bart Kerkman

Bart Kerkman is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Life Science business of Merck. In this role, he leads the global Information Technology team to define and advance the business’ technology strategy and drive digital transformation. As CIO, Bart is a principal advisor to the Life Science CEO regarding the astute use of IT to advance the company’s goals.

Prior to his current role as CIO of Life Science, Bart was leading the Global ERP unit of Merck IT, providing direction for simplifying and streamlining the execution of Merck’s sector ERP programs.

Bart started his IT career in 2000 at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. After four 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 on further responsibilities, ranging from SAP Project/Program Management, IT Key Account Management and IT unit leadership in IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa) and Europe.

From 2014 to 2022, Bart was a member of the Henkel IT Executive Committee, leading the global SAP Template rollout to more than 25,000 users in 60+ countries for all three Henkel business units. Additionally, he led Henkel’s Business Technologies, which comprised global IT infrastructure, SAP architecture and operations, EDI/Integration, Workflow & Collaboration and IT Service Management.