Michele Galen has been Head of Communications for Novartis International AG since January 2012. Prior to this appointment, Ms. Galen served as Vice President and Global Head, Communications and Advocacy for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, based in Basel, Switzerland. Ms. Galen joined Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) in the US in 2001. During her tenure at Novartis, she also served as Vice President and Global Head, Oncology Affairs; Vice President and Global Head, Communications and External Affairs for Novartis Molecular Diagnostics; and Vice President, Corporate Communications, NPC.
Prior to joining Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Ms. Galen was a Managing Director in the Corporate Practice at a leading global public relations firm in New York specializing in change communication, issues management and strategic philanthropy. She also is an award-winning journalist, was Editor at Business Week magazine and served as a board member of the Global Health Council. She is a member of the New York State Bar and practiced at Stroock, Stroock + Lavan, and Skadden, Arps, Slate,Meagher & Flom.