In an era where sustainability is reshaping the way businesses operate, Petra Wicklandt stands out as a leader who is driving meaningful change. As the Chief Sustainability Officer of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Petra has played a pivotal role in integrating responsible practices into core business strategies. Her thoughtful leadership, grounded in transparency, collaboration, and strategic execution, has helped the company make notable strides toward its ambitious sustainability goals.
For Petra, sustainability is not an isolated initiative—it is a central pillar of corporate success. Under her guidance, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has taken significant steps toward climate neutrality by 2040, building sustainable supply chains, and embedding ethical governance into operations. The company’s purpose— “Sparking Discovery, Elevating Humanity”—is more than a slogan. It reflects a deep, centuries-old commitment to creating innovations that improve health and well-being while respecting planetary boundaries.
Petra’s leadership journey at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, spans more than 30 years—a tenure that surprises many. But Petra never found time to get bored. She’s held diverse roles across R&D, production, and strategic leadership, constantly evolving her expertise. Starting as a Pharmaceutical Development Lab Manager after leaving DuPont, she soon advanced to leading teams and eventually managing the modernization of a pharmaceutical manufacturing site. This role taught her resilience, long-term vision, and the value of persistence, as she navigated budgets, influenced stakeholders, and led large-scale transformation.
Her dream job came next—leading Pharmaceutical Development and later Chemical and Pharmaceutical R&D. Contributing to treatments for cancer and multiple sclerosis was particularly meaningful. These roles honed her communication skills and taught her that engaging teams goes far beyond simply sharing information; it’s about listening, building consensus, and fostering purpose.
Petra then stepped outside her comfort zone to build a government affairs organization and lead the company’s corporate sustainability strategy. This experience broadened her perspective across sectors and functions, showing her the importance of big-picture thinking and bold change.
In her current role, Petra oversees several critical functions, including Sustainability, Cybersecurity, Trade Compliance, Bioethics, Crisis Management, and more. She continues to grow as a leader, applying lessons from her past to navigate new challenges with clarity and calm.
One such challenge is measuring the return on sustainability investments. For example, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s commitment to climate neutrality involves complex calculations, particularly for Scope 3 emissions across its vast supply chain. Petra acknowledges that some variables remain uncertain, such as future carbon pricing or offset costs.
But she believes in acting today to secure long-term resilience, even if the business case seems speculative now. She’s confident that, with time, what feels difficult today will become obvious in hindsight.
For Petra, leadership is rooted in three dimensions: innovation, continuous improvement, and inspiration. She believes in building highly engaged teams, where fair decision-making, open communication, and mutual appreciation create a strong sense of trust. Petra views purpose as a powerful force, embedded in every project her team undertakes—from improving patient health and reducing environmental impact to ensuring ethical business practices.
Managing global and hybrid teams comes with unique challenges, but Petra sees great opportunity in uniting diverse talents. She makes use of digital communication tools but also prioritizes in-person interactions, believing that nothing replaces the connection formed through face-to-face engagement. Regular town halls and on-site visits help her maintain a strong sense of connection across geographies.
Work-life balance is another area where Petra brings realism and empathy. For her, family is the foundation of her balance. As a full-time working mother of two daughters, she knows the juggling act firsthand. Support from her husband—who took parental leave before it was common—and her extended family made it possible. She encourages others to build a support network and to extend grace to themselves, especially working parents who often carry an unfair sense of guilt.
Outside of work, Petra lives her values. She shops locally, avoids energy waste, and drives a hybrid car powered by solar panels from her roof. Sustainability, for her, is not just professional—it’s personal.
Petra’s accomplishments are always team-driven. She is most proud of her daughters, now young women making thoughtful decisions about their futures. Her oldest is studying medicine, and her youngest is preparing for a semester abroad. In business, Petra takes pride in having contributed to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s long history—from modernizing facilities and developing life-changing medicines to advancing the company’s sustainability transformation.
When asked about legacy, Petra acknowledges it’s a big word, but she hopes that her deep conviction—that doing the right thing for the planet, human health, and society creates shared value—continues to guide future leaders. She knows that change is constant and that the next generation must address new challenges with new tools. But if her purpose-driven approach leaves a lasting impression, she’ll consider that a success.
Petra Wicklandt is a shining example of how strategic leadership, personal integrity, and a commitment to sustainability can shape the future of responsible business. Through her work at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, she is proving that doing the right thing is not only possible—it’s profitable, impactful, and essential for long-term success.
