February 22, 2012

Novartis Appoints Galen as Head of Communications

Novartis has appointed Michele Galen as Head of Communications, effective January 25, 2012. In her new role, Ms. Galen will report to Novartis CEO, Joseph Jimenez.

Galen joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) in the US in 2001, and since 2010 served as VP & Global Head, Communications and Advocacy based in Basel, Switzerland. During her tenure at Novartis, she also served as VP & Global Head, Oncology Affairs; VP & Global Head, Communications & External Affairs for Novartis Molecular Diagnostics; and Vice President, Corporate Communications, NPC.

Prior to joining Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Galen was a Managing Director in the Corporate Practice at leading global public relations firm in New York specializing in change communication, issue management and strategic philanthropy. She also is an award-winning journalist and Editor at BusinessWeek magazine and served as a board member of the Global Health Council.

Galen succeeds Sheldon Jones who retires and will transition to an advisory role for the company.