The pharma company Bayer has turned to US medicines regulator the FDA in pursuit of a new head of communications for its pharmaceutical business in the US.
Steven Immergut joins the US subsidiary of Germany-based Bayer in the newly created role of VP, head of pharmaceutical communications where he will lead the design, management and execution of the company’s external and internal communications in the region.
Immergut knows the US healthcare environment well having spent the past three years at the FDA, including most recently as acting associate commissioner for external affairs where he directed communications and media for the agency on a range of regulatory and educational activities and issues.
In his new role he will report to Bayer’s head of communications, government relations and policy Raymond Kerins who commented: “Steven’s unparalleled healthcare communications experience, together with his knowledge of the regulatory environment and public health expertise, will be tremendous assets to Bayer.
“I look forward to working with him closely as we advance communications about our pharmaceutical products to key audiences here in the United States, Bayer’s largest and fastest growing market,” added Kerins.
Immergut’s other experience includes two years as the FDA’s assistant commissioner for media affairs having joined the agency from management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton where he headed its health communications efforts.
He previously directed the Washington, D.C. healthcare practice of PR company Hill+Knowlton Strategies and has experience consulting for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Latin America.
“I am honoured to join the talented team at Bayer to lead communications for its exciting pharmaceutical portfolio in the US at such a critical time of growth for the company,” Immergut said.