Merck executive to accept 2022 Heineken Award

News item | 12-05-2022 | 13:09

(Washington, D.C.) – Richard R. DeLuca Jr., Executive Vice President of Merck (NYSE: MRK) and President of Merck Animal Health, will receive the 2022 Holland on the Hill Heineken Award on behalf of Merck during a Capitol Hill ceremony on May 19. DeLuca will be recognized for Merck’s role in strengthening the economic relationship between the Netherlands and the United States.



Merck, headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, is known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada. Merck is unified around its purpose of using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

For more than 130 years, the company has brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines by delivering innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of disease in people and animals.

As part of Merck’s focus on breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines, the company is committed to exploring the potential of immune-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types.

As one of the most substantial companies in the Netherlands with state-of-the-art research, commercial and manufacturing capabilities, the company continues to take an active role in strengthening its human health and animal health footprint, furthering US-Dutch cooperation.

The company’s facility in Boxmeer is a leading center for the development and production of veterinary vaccines for Companion Animal and Livestock species, including other production and research facilities in Haarlem and De Bilt. The advanced biotech plant in Oss gives Merck over 25 years of experience producing high-quality, raw materials for medicines, using cells and micro-organisms. Additionally, the company’s oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine is produced in the Netherlands.

Under DeLuca’s leadership, Merck’s Animal Health business has become an industry leader, offering one of the widest ranges in veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and connected digital technologies to ensure animal health, well-being, and welfare.

The Holland on the Hill Heineken Award, named for Freddy Heineken, honors an entrepreneur who has made a substantial and positive impact on the economic ties between the Netherlands and the United States.

The ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. May 19 in the Members Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20543. Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony. Questions via e-mail, please use the contact form.