Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), one of the world’s leading public relations firms, has appointed Mary Jane Walker as U.S. Head of Healthcare. Walker will lead teams that support innovative, strategic healthcare communications for large and small pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other healthcare companies. The appointment further elevates H+K’s position as a leader in healthcare communications, as the firm continues its accelerated U.S. market growth.
Mary Jane Walker
“I am thrilled to return to H+K to lead the U.S. Healthcare team at such a critical time. The pandemic has taught us all that nothing is more important than our health and that, through science and technology, we can address even the most formidable challenges. Now, more than ever, new models for communications and healthcare are essential to our future. Working alongside a strong national team with deep sector knowledge, I look forward to continuing to challenge the status quo of healthcare communications for clients,” said Walker.
Walker brings a depth of agency experience as a corporate communications consultant, a trusted advisor to senior business leaders, an award-winning strategist and a top digital, social and traditional media specialist. Walker has designed communications strategies for CEOs and senior leaders from many healthcare corporations, such as Pfizer, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly & Co., and Deloitte. She served as Press Secretary for Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), during the height of the HIV epidemic, where she led multiple healthcare initiatives and generated thousands of media placements.
Richard Millar, H+K Global President and CEO of The Americas, commented, “The past 18 months have highlighted the critical need for evolved healthcare communications to ensure better health outcomes. Mary Jane brings deep subject matter expertise and an impressive track record as a leader, trusted advisor, collaborator, and growth driver. I have full confidence that she will orchestrate our network resources to create exceptional work for our clients.”
Walker previously held senior leadership roles at some of the top public relations, crisis and financial communications consultancies in the world, including Weber Shandwick and Robinson, Lehrer and Montgomery. She previously served at H+K, where she managed corporate communications and media relations within the healthcare practice. During this time, she led a team that won PRWeek’s Healthcare Campaign of the Year Award. Walker holds a master’s degree in Public Communications from American University.
Walker’s appointment is the latest in a series of recent US leadership hires under Richard Millar’s transformation agenda including, Daniel Schwarz, SVP, Public Affairs, Rob Ferris, US Head of Energy + Industrials, John Quick, SVP of Healthcare and Cathy Resler, Better Impact(TM) citizenship + sustainability lead, among others.
