“Growing up, I thought everyone’s grandparents spoke the way mine did – with an Irish brogue,” said Ray Kerins, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Bayer U.S. “My love and respect for the Irish culture – its songs and stories – started at a young age.”

Kerins, who previously held senior positions at Merck and Pfizer, embraced a Catholic education from grammar school through Iona College. From his father, a retired Bronx homicide detective, Kerins learned about the importance of loyalty, love, and friendship – traits Kerins shares today with his wife and three children.

“Our family always comes first, whether it’s sharing a pot of tea and Irish soda bread at the kitchen table or a pint around the fireplace,” he said. “I still get chills ‘wearing the green,’ and I still listen to Irish music on the radio.” ♦