Jennifer O’Lear

Jennifer O’Lear

Jennifer O’Lear heads the engagement and inclusion team in HR at Merck as well as serving as chief diversity officer. She joined Merck in 2001 and has held various positions within the company, such as portfolio manager, executive committee coordinator, head of HR communications and head of learning and development. In her current role, she is responsible for a wide range of cultural and development topics, such as the Merck Competency Model and topics tied to employee engagement like the Engage! Surveys taking place across the entire Merck group.

A best-case study of strengthening company culture through competencies

How can you ensure the implementation of a new strategic direction that is reflected in employee and management behaviour?


In 2014, Merck began using its Competency Model to not only describe general desired behaviours (such as...