Diana Marszalek 09 Feb 2022 // 6:38PM GMT
KENILWORTH, NJ — Merck has expanded its comms team with the addition of Johanna Herrmann as VP of external communications and strategic operations.
In the newly created role, Herrmann will work with internal and external stakeholders on creating and implementing communications strategies that shape and amplify the company’s narrative.
Herrmann, who was most recently with Gagen MacDonald, will oversee internal comms globally as well. Responsibilities also include serving as chief of staff for Cristal Downing, who left Johnson & Johnson last summer to serve as the pharmaceutical giant’s chief communications & public affairs officer.
Before Merck, Herrmann spent more than four years at Gagen MacDonald, where she served as communications director. Before that, she held leadership roles at organizations including WellCare Health Plans and The Coca-Cola Company.
Earlier in her career, Herrmann include worked with Johnson & Johnson where she led the brand repositioning of Janssen and provided strategic guidance for the company’s crisis and communications teams.
"Johanna’s stellar record of accomplishment, deep experience in leading high-stakes and high-visibility engagements, strong communications expertise, and strategic leadership capabilities make her exceptionally qualified and prepared to take on this important role, especially as Merck continues to drive accelerated innovation, long-term growth, and business sustainability,” Downing said.