KENILWORTH, NJ— Merck has hired Johnson & Johnson’s Cristal Downing as the pharmaceutical giant’s chief communications & public affairs officer.

In the newly created role, Downing will be a member of Merck’s executive team and oversee the development and execution of the company’s communications and public affairs strategies. She will formally assume the position Aug. 16.

Downing joins after nearly seven years at J&J, where she most recently led global communications and public affairs for the company’s medical devices division. Prior to that, Downing was VP, global finance communications, as which she oversaw communications that supported the CFO and CEO strategic platforms.

Downing co-led the development and implementation of Johnson & Johnson’s racial & social justice strategy. Earlier in her 20-plus year career, she held positions with American Express, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo.

“Cristal is a transformational leader with a well-established track record of achievement,” said Rob Davis, Merck’s CEO and president. “Cristal’s experience, business acumen, leadership capabilities and integrity will be invaluable as we drive productive conversations and strategic impact with a broad range of stakeholders, double down on our promising pipeline and work to accelerate delivery of our vital innovations to the world.”