Joe Butcher

About Joe Butcher

I’m passionate about building technology products that solve meaningful problems, create value for users, and shape a better future. Throughout my career — from leading Marines on missions abroad to leading product teams at Merck — I’ve been driven by a strong desire to learn, build, and make a positive impact.After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving six years as a Marine Corps Officer, I transitioned into business with the goal of using the private sector to drive large-scale impact. At Merck, I’ve gained diverse experience across finance, corporate strategy, technology, and manufacturing and supply chain — ultimately specializing in digital product leadership and data science.Today, I focus on building and scaling AI-powered digital products that improve operational performance across Merck’s global supply chain. I’m passionate about driving innovation through user-centered design, agile delivery, and scalable technology solutions that deliver measurable business value.I’m also deeply interested in emerging technologies — including AI, Web3, and blockchain — and how they will shape the future of business and society. I enjoy learning, exploring new ideas, and bringing innovative thinking to the teams and products I support.Outside of work, I’m a proud dad of two and an active youth sports coach, a passion that reflects my own 18-year journey as a competitive wrestler. Always open to connecting and exchanging ideas — feel free to reach out!

Experience

1. Director, Digital Strategy and Product Delivery, Digital Manufacturing

   Merck

   Jul 2021 — Present

   Co-led effort to build new digital strategy for Merck\'s Manufacturing Division following the reorganization of the digital and tech organization, including current state assessment and target state for capabilities across the global network of 20+ sitesDigital Product Lead for global initiative aimed at transforming how the organization uses data and technology to drive operations both at site and above site; accountable for the development and deployment to users across the network

Education

• United States Naval Academy

  Bachelor of Science, Quantitative Economics

  2004 — 2008

• University of California, Berkeley

  Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS)

  2018 — 2020

• The Wharton School

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management

  2014 — 2016

Skills

• Leadership
• Management
• Training
• Strategy
• Program Management
• Project Management
• Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Python
• R