BOSTON — Kym White, Edelman’s global health sector chair, is leaving the agency to lead communications for Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

White, who has headed Edelman’s health practice since 2012, will join Vertex as a senior VP and chief communications officer on May 21. She is charged with leading global corporate communications for the biotech company, which includes product comms, media relations and digital, social and internal communications, as well as CSR and public affairs.

Edelman’s search for White’s replacement is currently underway, a spokesman said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kym to the leadership team and to have her extensive experience across industry here at Vertex,” said Michael Parini, the company’s executive VP and chief legal and administrative officer.  “Kym has the skill, management capabilities and industry acumen we need to evolve our communications efforts as Vertex continues to emerge as a leading global biotechnology company.”

White said she was moved to join the company at a time of growth and progress in “transforming the lives of patients with serious diseases.

“The opportunity to tell that story and help advance understanding of the work of the dedicated scientists and researchers at Vertex compelled me to join them in this mission,” she said.