CEOI MEMBER SINCE 2021

Robert Ford is chairman of the board and CEO of Abbott, a Fortune 100 health technology company, with a leading portfolio of products and technologies in medical devices, diagnostics, nutritionals, and branded generic pharmaceuticals, operating in more than 160 countries worldwide. A 27-year Abbott veteran, Mr. Ford previously served as president and CEO, where he led the company’s global pandemic response, innovating 12 different COVID-19 diagnostic tests around the world, as well as complementary digital applications. He earlier served as president and COO, with responsibility for the company’s operating businesses, as well as executive vice president of medical devices, leading Abbott’s diabetes, cardiovascular, and neuromodulation businesses. Under his leadership, Abbott launched a robust, long-term sustainability plan for innovating life-changing technologies and products, with a focus on expanding accessibility and affordability, and is widely recognized as a global leader in responsible, sustainable business. Mr. Ford is involved with several organizations that advance multisector relations and public policy to support a thriving global economy and economic prosperity for all. Those include the Business Roundtable, U.S.-China Business Council, U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, the Economic Club of Chicago, and the civic committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and an MBA from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business.