CEO Today Top 50 – Robert B. Ford

By CEO Today On Jul 12, 2024 Last Updated 21st July 2024

CEO Top 50

Name: Robert B. Ford

Net worth: Approx. $58 million Executive pay: $23 million

Bio: Robert B. Ford is Abbott’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He assumed the role of Chairman in December 2021, having been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2020.

Previously, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer; and as Executive Vice President, Medical Devices, leading Abbott’s Diabetes Care, Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation businesses. Mr. Ford earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree in business administration from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

Ford started working at Abbott in 1996 in the diabetes care division, eventually leading the medical device sector. He also played a key role in Abbott’s acquisition of St. Jude Medical in 2017, which was the company’s biggest purchase up to that point. Ford serves as the thirteenth CEO of Abbott Laboratories, a publicly-traded company specializing in medical devices and healthcare, located in Abbott Park, Illinois. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and an MBA from Haas School of Business.

Quote: “It is a tremendous honor to have the opportunity to lead Abbott,” Ford said in November when the succession was announced. “I thank Miles for his mentorship, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to do what Abbott people do best – anticipate where science, medicine and technology are going and innovate to best serve our customers, shareholders and communities.” – Robert B. Ford

CEO Fact: Robert Ford’s listing in the Class of 2015 student directory identified him as vice president, Abbott Diabetes Care. Within two months, he had erased the “vice” to become president of the division. His latest promotion: Chief Executive Officer at Abbott, a global diversified healthcare company.