David Ricks

Chairman & CEO
Eli Lilly and Company

Dave Ricks has served as chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company since January 1, 2017. He became chairman of the board of directors on June 1, 2017.

A 20-year Lilly veteran, Ricks served as president of Lilly Bio-Medicines from 2012 to 2016. Previously, he was president of Lilly USA, the company’s largest affiliate, from 2009 to 2012. He served as president and general manager of Lilly China, operating in one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets, from 2008 to 2009. Ricks was general manager of Lilly Canada from 2005 to 2008, after roles as director of pharmaceutical marketing and national sales director in that country. Ricks joined Lilly in 1996 as a business development associate and held several management roles in U.S. marketing and sales before moving to Lilly Canada.

Ricks serves on the board of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the Adobe board of directors and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. He chairs the Riley Children’s Foundation board of governors.

Ricks earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in 1990 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University in 1996.