Mundipharma, the global network of independent pharmaceutical companies, has announced the appointment of Patrice Grand as European director of corporate communications.

Mundipharma is a network of separate but associated companies that are committed to the progression and innovation of important medicines through collaboration. They are known for creating productive partnerships in order to license, develop and market medicines that improve patients’ lives around the world.

In this new role, Grand will provide strategic advice to the Mundipharma network and help shape the profile of Mundipharma. He will report directly to Alberto Martinez, president and chief executive officer in Europe.

Grand says, “I am really excited to be joining such a vibrant and talented team at a time of such successful transformation. I am passionate about the opportunity to shape our communications to reflect our entrepreneurial culture, share our innovative work that makes a big difference in the lives of patients and support the partnership working model that underpins the success of Mundipharma.”

Grand has significant experience in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries across Europe, the United States, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, and has over 30 years of experience in global communications and public affairs. He most recently served as the global head of communications, healthcare at Merck. Prior to this he worked as the head of international public affairs at Bristol-Myers Squibb and as the director of the European healthcare practice at prominent communications agency Burson-Marsteller.

Martinez adds, “Patrice brings a wealth of experience in both global public organisations and family owned businesses. He joins as a member of the European executive team, providing strategic advice to the Mundipharma network, which is testament to the important role Communications plays in our organisation. He will be instrumental in helping us shape the profile of Mundipharma and I look forward to working with Patrice as we continue our focus on delivering our successful transformation and diversification with leading performance in Biosimilars, Respiratory and Diabetes.”