Executive Director, Head of European Government Affairs and Public Policy

General Description:
The Executive Director, Head of European Government Affairs & Public Policy, will be responsible for leading the development and execution of government affairs and public policy strategies across Europe, including both the European Union (EU) and non-EU countries. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams, including the General Manager of Europe, country managers, market access, corporate communications, regulatory affairs, patient advocacy, and legal teams to drive policy outcomes that promote access to medicines, influence regulatory frameworks, and protect intellectual property.

The Executive Director will also be working with the Swiss government, given the company’s operations and strategic interests in Switzerland and engage with key external stakeholders, including European Union (EU) policymakers, national governments, trade associations such as the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (EUCOPE), the Swiss Biotech Association, and other policy influencers in both the EU and non-EU regions.

This role requires close partnership with the Head of U.S. Government Affairs & Public Policy to ensure a cohesive global strategy and alignment across regions. As a member of the General Manager’s leadership team, the Executive Director will guide the company’s regional and global public policy initiatives. Additionally, the Executive Director will have a dotted reporting line to the General Manager of Europe, ensuring close alignment with regional priorities and business needs.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration:

- Lead the European Government Affairs & Public Policy organization, ensuring the successful execution of strategies that align with the company’s business, market access, and public policy objectives across both EU and non-EU countries.
- Serve as a key member of the General Manager of Europe’s leadership team, collaborating with country managers and country government affairs directors to align government affairs strategies with regional business and market access priorities.
- Work closely with the Senior Vice President, Head of Government Affairs and Special Assistant to the CEO to ensure European policy initiatives align with the company’s global objectives.
- Collaborate with the Head of U.S. Government Affairs & Public Policy to ensure a cohesive, coordinated global policy strategy, especially in areas where EU and U.S. priorities intersect.
- Work with regulatory affairs and market access to influence regulatory frameworks and drive timely access to medicines across European markets.
- Maintain a dotted reporting line to the General Manager of Europe, ensuring regional alignment and collaboration on local business and policy issues.
- Develop and implement specific strategies for engaging with the Swiss government to ensure alignment with Swiss health policy, regulatory processes, market access priorities, and the protection of intellectual property.

Policy Strategy Development & Execution:

- Develop and execute a comprehensive government affairs strategy for Europe, including Switzerland and other non-EU countries, advocating for policies that promote market access, improve regulatory processes, and ensure the protection of intellectual property rights.
- Engage with EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, European Medicines Agency), as well as national governments, to influence public policies and regulatory frameworks that support biopharmaceutical innovation, intellectual property protection, and market access.
- Collaborate with country managers and market access teams in both EU and non-EU countries to tailor policy strategies that address local challenges while aligning with the company’s broader goals.
- Work with Patient Advocacy to ensure that patient perspectives are included in policy discussions and that access to medicines remains a priority in both EU and non-EU markets.
- Coordinate with Legal and Intellectual Property teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative frameworks in both EU and non-EU markets, addressing potential legal challenges.

Government Affairs & Advocacy:

- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders across both EU countries and non-EU countries, with a particular emphasis on Switzerland.
- Represent the company in European trade associations (e.g., EUCOPE, Swiss Biotech Association) and other industry forums, collaborating with peers to shape collective policy positions and advocate for pro-innovation policies, including the protection of intellectual property.
- Engage with European Union institutions and national governments, including Switzerland, to drive regulatory improvements, pricing and reimbursement policies, and enhance access to medicines while protecting intellectual property.
- Lead engagement with the Swiss government, ensuring alignment with local health policies and regulatory environme