Eli Lilly appoints senior VP for corporate affairs and communications

Eli Lilly has appointed Leigh Ann Pusey as its senior vice president, corporate affairs and communications and will be a member of the firm’s executive committee reporting directly to president and chief executive officer, David Ricks.

Previously serving as president and CEO of trade body the American Insurance Association (AIA), Pusey’s expertise ranges from leadership to policy solutions.

Ricks said: “Leigh Ann brings a wealth of public affairs leadership experience to Lilly and at a particularly important time for our industry.

“Her ability to convene conversations and drive proactive policy solutions will be critical in our efforts to promote and sustain medical innovation so patients and the health care system benefit from a new era of medicine.”

Pusey is recognised as one of the top lobbyists in Washington, DC and in 2012 was named by the National Journal as one of the 25 ‘Most Influential Women in Washington’.

She also serves in various capacities for a number of organisations, including as a member of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100 and board member of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Prior to joining AIA, Pusey had been the deputy assistant to President George Bush for the White House Office of Public Liaison and deputy director of communications for the Republican National Committee.