Two top pharmas looked outside the industry for their top
communications executives.
Merck named Adele Ambrose, formerly EVP, communications at
AT&T Wireless, to head corporate communications, capping a reorganization
of the department. Ambrose replaced Steve Kelmar, who left after learning that
general counsel Bruce Kuhlik planned to split his job into separate PR and
public affairs functions, the Star-Ledger reported. Also departing was VP,
corporate communications Jessica Stoltenberg, a Kelmar hire credited with
rebuilding the department after an exodus of employees last year, the paper
said.
Meanwhile, Pfizer named Estee Lauder communications chief Sally
Susman SVP worldwide communications and chief communications officer, reporting
to chairman and CEO Jeff Kindler. She takes on responsibility for global
communications and joins the executive leadership team. Before joining Estee
Lauder, she worked in government and handled communications for American
Express.
At least one big pharma looked in-house for a PR chief, as
Wyeth named Wendy Kouba VP corporate communications.
Kouba reports to SVP, public affairs Marily Rhudy and
assumes responsibility for global public relations and communications. Kouba
joined Wyeth in 2006 and was previously VP, communications, technical
operations and product supply. Before joining Wyeth, she held leadership
positions at Johnson & Johnson, Pharmacia, JPMorgan Chase and Allied
Signal.