Rebecca Lowell Edwards 

Chief Communications Officer  
Organon
US

Women’s health company Organon, which spun off from Merck in 2021, understood from the start that positioning itself as a leader on the issues that impact its patient population would be critical. Its first CCO was Wendy Lund, a veteran healthcare communicator who had led GCI Health and left for a senior role at WPP; her successor is Rebecca Lowell Edwards, a former journalist who had previously led communications for the American Civil Liberties Union.

Edwards’ career began in journalism at Dow Jones, where she rose from administrative assistant to reporter at The Wall Street Journal and then ultimately moved to the business side. She has worked in the US, London and Geneva in roles with GE and the International Olympic Committee and has led global teams operating in more than 200 countries.

From her focus on defending democracy and civil rights at the ACLU to her current role telling compelling stories for Organon, Edwards has spent her career protecting and enhancing reputations. She also works to advance education and skills training by serving on the boards of the Page Society and mentoring women of color.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
Yes, early in my career when I was working with GE we launched a campaign centered around the purpose of our businesses and the people closest to it – employees. It was called GE Works and we had measurable benefits across a wide swath of stakeholders.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
With so many elections around the world this year, it's been made clear time and time again that polarization is holding progress hostage. Communicators have a role to play – especially at companies who enjoy an enviable reputation compared to other institutions – to help forge a path through difficult dialogues that will help us move forward on critical issues.

What have you most admired about the communications industry over the past year, and what has disappointed you?
I'm so happy when I enter a room and there are people who look like me in CCO or CMO roles. However, I continue to be disappointed that we can often still fit at one table in most of these rooms.

What work from your team are you most proud of over the past year?
Given the increasing restrictions on healthcare that empowers women and girls plus the confusion being created through misinformation/disinformation, I’m really proud of the work the team has been doing to get trustworthy contraception information out. Our campaigning includes an Insta series called ‘The Birds & The Mes’ and in-person media and influencer engagement that leads to coverage like this.  Through work like this, Organon is keeping its commitment to the health of women by ensuring we are meeting her where she is via the channel she relies on.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?
I invested in some coaching. I have a trainer I see weekly and a nutritionist who checks in on me every six weeks or so. Best investments ever!

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Writing a book.