Sidney Taurel ’71
Chairman Emeritus
Eli Lilly and Company
Indiana
Sidney Taurel is chairman emeritus of Eli Lilly and Company.
Born a Spanish citizen in Casablanca, Morocco, Mr. Taurel became an American citizen in November 1995. After graduating from École des Hautes Études Commerciales, in Paris, France, in 1969, he received an MBA degree from Columbia Business School in 1971.
Mr. Taurel joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1971 as an international marketing associate. His 37-year career included 15 years in Brazil, France, Eastern Europe, and the United Kingdom. He became president of Lilly International in 1986, president of the pharmaceutical division in 1993, chief operating officer in 1996, chief executive officer in 1998, and chairman of the board in 1999. He retired as chairman and chief executive officer in 2008.
Mr. Taurel is a member of the boards of IBM Corporation, the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. He is a member of the Business Council and a trustee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Mr. Taurel received three presidential appointments: to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (2002–03), the President’s Export Council (2003–06), and the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (2007–09). He is an officer of the French Legion of Honor.
Mr. Taurel is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. He and his wife, Kathryn, have three grown children.