Global Head of External Communications, Leading Global Pharmaceutical Company, Milan

Shape the Global Reputation of a Leading Healthcare Organisation

A prominent, innovation-led pharmaceutical group with a growing international presence is seeking an experienced and strategic Global Head of External Communications to lead its global reputation and stakeholder engagement efforts. Based at the company’s global headquarters in Milan, this is a high-impact in-house leadership role, ideal for a communications expert with a strong command of global media, proven reputation management expertise, and the ability to advise at the most senior levels. The successful candidate will drive all aspects of external communications, supporting the business through corporate transformation, innovation, and growth across key global markets.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and lead the global external communications strategy across Europe, North America, and Asia
• Act as senior advisor to the C-suite on media relations, reputation strategy, and high-stakes stakeholder communications
• Lead communications planning for major corporate milestones including M&A, scientific developments, regulatory updates, ESG announcements, and crisis events
• Build strong relationships with international and sector-specific media, acting as a credible and well-informed company spokesperson
• Ensure alignment of messaging and tone across global markets and all external-facing content and channels
• Oversee global agencies and internal teams, managing budgets and ensuring high-quality output across workstreams
• Develop thought leadership platforms for senior executives, supporting reputation positioning in key global forums
• Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Investor Relations, ESG, Scientific Affairs, HR, and Legal
• Identify reputational risks early and implement mitigation strategies with confidence and clarity

What They’re Looking For

• Extensive experience in external communications within a global organisation, ideally in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or other regulated industries
• Demonstrated success in leading strategic, global communications programmes at executive level
• Deep understanding of international media and reputational dynamics across markets
• Native-level English is essential; fluency in Italian is also required – additional languages a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling corporate narratives across audiences
• Confident, agile leader with experience in issues and crisis communications at a global scale
• Collaborative and culturally astute, with the ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders across geographies
• Commercially minded, strategic, and proactive in driving forward corporate messaging

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and annual bonus
• Long-term incentive / equity participation plan
• Comprehensive private health and wellness benefits
• Flexible hybrid working model from Milan HQ
• 30 days’ annual leave + public holidays
• Executive coaching and tailored leadership development
• Global travel and visibility at the highest levels of the business
• A meaningful opportunity to shape the external voice of a company making a real impact on global health

If you are a globally minded communications leader with native-level English and a passion for strategic reputation building, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV or contact our team for a confidential conversation.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out about more about Hanson Search.

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