Louis Merck (born 8 November 1854 in Darmstadt, died 15 September 1913 in Darmstadt) was a German chemist and business executive, who was CEO of Merck from 1897 to 1913.
A member of the Merck family, he joined the family company in 1883 as head of research, and became chairman and CEO in 1897. During his tenure, the company held a virtual monopoly on santonin and cocaine.[1]
In 1905, he was appointed by Ernest Louis, Grand Duke of Hesse as a member for life of the upper house of the parliament of the Grand Duchy of Hesse. He was also conferred an honorary doctorate at the University of Giessen in 1907.[2] He also received the honorary title Geheimer Kommerzienrat (i.e. "Privy Councillor of Commerce").