Vice President Communications

Ernie W. Knewitz

Vice President of Corporate & Global Communications

******@*****.*** • 862-***-****

LinkedIn • New Jersey, NJ 07041

Dynamic professional with extensive experience in leading high-impact communication strategies for global organizations. Expertise in managing complex media relations, crisis communications, and executive branding to enhance corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement. Proven success in executing communication plans, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering professional relationships. Skilled in guiding strategic messaging for mergers, acquisitions, and other high-stakes corporate initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values. Adept at navigating media landscape and delivering results through proactive and reactive media outreach, executive communications, and internal communications frameworks.

Areas of Expertise

Media Relations/Public Affairs

Corporate Reputation Management

Crisis Management/Issue Resolution

Executive Messaging

Crisis Communications

Public Policy Communications

Global Product Launches

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership/Team Management

Professional Experience

Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ

Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs - The Americas, Pharmaceuticals 2020 — 2024

As a member of the North America leadership team, I led a 2-year strategic transformation initiative to revitalize the organization’s communication structure, plans, processes, skills, and budgeting to drive strategic communications and public affairs for the $30B+ pharmaceutical business across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. With my diverse team of 52 professionals, we primarily managed product communications for oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, cardiovascular & metabolism, with responsibility for managing a $30MM annual agency budget. I also championed executive and employee communications for the 5K+ organization, and oversaw all public policy communications at the federal and state levels, including the publication of J&J’s annual U.S. pricing transparency report.

Vice President of Global Corporate Media Relations 2013 — 2019

Built and mentored a global team that designed and implemented data-driven, brand-aligned communications across multiple media channels to strengthen the company’s reputation as a global healthcare leader. Partnered with international reporters to secure coverage of innovative product impacts for enhancing brand visibility through affiliations with FIFA, USO, and Global Citizen. Steered media coverage for financial results, mergers and acquisitions, litigations, and significant corporate announcements. Provided strategic counsel to Chairman & CEO and other senior executives, encompassing preparing speeches for quarterly earnings calls and pivotal external events.

●Led global media relations strategy as the company’s primary media contact while also advising the 400+-person communications team through major journalist interactions.

Senior Director of Communications, Global Pharmaceutical R&D 2004 — 2012

Directed the establishment of Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical R&D communications division to foster efficient internal and external engagement, while improving investor’s understanding and strategic execution of the company’s pipeline and sustainable growth strategy. Acted as a principal communications liaison with Bayer Pharmaceuticals to launch the blockbuster brand, XARELTO®, while supporting seamless collaboration and alignment on developmental and commercial efforts. Headed initiatives to bolster visibility of R&D efforts, such as stewardship of comprehensive communications plans and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Additional Experience

Senior Vice President, Noonan / Russo Communications, New York, NY

Public Information Officer, The New York Academy of Sciences, New York, NY

Public Relations Associate, Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, NJ

Harold Burson Summer Internship Program, Burson-Marsteller, New York, NY

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Journalism

Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ

Professional Development

Columbia University, Finance & Accounting Certificate Program

J&J Transcend, 18-Month Development Program for High-Potential VP-Level Talent

Professional Affiliation

Member, Seton Hall University, Dean’s Advisory Council, College of Human Development, Culture & Media

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