Robert Ford is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Abbott, a global healthcare company with a leading portfolio of medical devices, diagnostics, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company operates in more than 160 countries, reaching more than 2 billion people each year with its products and technologies. An Abbott veteran, Robert has held several key positions, including President and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President, Medical Devices. Under his leadership as CEO, Abbott has expanded its portfolio of life-changing technologies and products, with a focus on innovation and accessibility to maximize the global impact of its advancements. Robert is involved in several organizations that promote multi-sector collaboration and public policy, including 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 a master's degree in business administration from UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business.