Alumna Margaret McGlynn honored by AACSB International

Launched in 2015, the initiative honors notable alumni from AACSB-accredited schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders.

As a graduate of the UB School of Management (MBA ’83) and the UB School of Pharmacy (BS ’82), McGlynn served in a variety of executive roles for pharmaceutical giant Merck over the course of her 26 years there, including president of Merck Vaccines and Anti-infectives, where she ran an $8 billion global business.

With the impetus of bringing important new products to the market to help people live healthier, longer lives, she managed a portfolio of more than 15 vaccines and anti-infectives and led the introduction of new vaccines to prevent HPV/cervical cancer, rotavirus disease and shingles, and a new treatment for HIV. She also established programs to educate patients on the correct use of medications. Using her management skills, McGlynn helped Merck establish pricing and distribution programs to sell vaccines and HIV treatments at drastically reduced cost to countries with low incomes.

McGlynn retired from Merck in 2009, and then served as CEO of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) for four years. There, she championed efforts to help develop an AIDS vaccine, particularly focused on developing nations where AIDS continues to devastate families and communities.

She is president and founder of the Hempling Foundation for Homocystinuria Research, which funds the development of new treatments for the rare disorder that claimed the lives of her two sisters at a young age. The foundation has issued grants designed to combat the disorder, including one to develop enzyme replacement therapy, which is moving into human trials this year. She also founded a patient advocacy group in the U.S. to support affected families.

“Margie has used her leadership, perseverance and determination to focus on fighting the world’s most devastating diseases on a global scale,” says Paul Tesluk, dean of the UB School of Management. “She has made a positive impact on so many lives, and this award is a well-deserved honor.”

McGlynn and the other award recipients represent 13 industry sectors, and their careers are addressing today’s most pressing social, economic, environmental and educational challenges.

For more information on the Influential Leaders Challenge, and to view a full list of honorees, visit aacsb.edu/influential-leaders.

As the world’s largest business education alliance, AACSB International connects educators, students and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence and professional development services to almost 1,600 member organizations and more than 795 accredited business schools worldwide.