Kevin W. Sharer
Kevin W. Sharer | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 2, 1948 Clinton, Iowa, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Business executive, professor |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Known for | Chairman and CEO of Amgen (2000–2012) |
Kevin W. Sharer (born March 2, 1948) is an American executive who held the positions of chairman and CEO at the biotechnology company Amgen from 2000 until 2012. Following his tenure at Amgen, he joined the faculty at Harvard Business School, where he instructs courses in RC Strategy and General Management.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Early life and education
A native of Clinton, Iowa, Sharer completed his undergraduate studies at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970, earning a BSAE degree in aeronautical engineering.[2] He went on to receive a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1971, followed by an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business in 1982.[2]
Career
Sharer’s naval service spanned from 1970 to 1978, during which he served as a construction engineer officer aboard the nuclear submarine USS Memphis, concluding his military career with the rank of lieutenant commander.[2]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Between 1978 and 1982, he was employed at AT&T Long Lines, focusing on engineering and sales management. Subsequently, he worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company until 1984. From 1984 to 1989, Sharer was part of General Electric (GE), departing as corporate vice president to take on leadership roles in sales, marketing, and business markets at MCI Communications from 1989 through 1992.
In 1992, Sharer joined the biotechnology firm Amgen as president, chief operating officer, and board director. He was appointed chairman and CEO in 2000, steering the organization through a period of substantial expansion until his departure in 2012.
Since leaving Amgen, Sharer has been a member of Harvard Business School’s faculty, delivering instruction in strategy and general management to both MBA candidates and executive education participants.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
He is also co-author of The CEO Test, written with Adam Bryant and published by Harvard.
Personal
Together with his wife, Sharer established the Sharer Foundation, which aids community college students transitioning to four-year institutions to complete their Bachelor's degrees. He is a father to two children and has three stepchildren.
