Iron Paw Award

Rick DeLuca is Executive Vice President and President of Animal Health at Merck and serves as a member of the company’s Executive Committee.

Rick has global responsibility for Merck’s Animal Health business, a role he has held since 2011. Under his leadership, the business has grown into an industry leader, offering veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments one of the broadest portfolios of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions. The organization also delivers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products that support animal health and welfare worldwide.  

Rick is a recognized leader within the global animal health industry. He served as Board Chair of Health for Animals, the global animal health association, from 2017 to 2021, and as Board Chair of the Animal Health Institute, the U.S.  animal medicines industry association, from 2016 through 2025.  

Prior to joining Merck, Rick spent more than two decades at Wyeth in roles of increasing scope and responsibility. His positions included President of Animal Health, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Animal Health, President of Symbiosis Medical, Vice President of Finance for Global Pharmaceuticals, and Director of Audit. During his tenure at Wyeth, Rick also served on the company’s Executive, Operations, Law and Regulatory, and Human Resources and Benefits Committees.

Rick is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).