JUNE 20, 2024 – New York – Edelman has named Courtney Gray Haupt and Jen Hauser Global Co-Chairs of its Health sector.
As Global Co-Chairs, Gray Haupt and Hauser will lead and evolve the firm’s largest sector, its work and its teams while continuing to provide strategic communications advisory to many of Edelman’s top clients. Gray Haupt and Hauser will be joining the community of Global Practice & Sector leaders currently led by Alex Thompson, Chair, Global Practices & Sectors.
“Courtney and Jen are incredible collaborators and expert practitioners,” said Thompson. “They bring deep industry knowledge, a fierce drive to innovate, and the spirit of leadership we and our clients need to build trust between people, businesses and society.”
Gray Haupt and Hauser are both senior leaders who have shaped industry-leading teams and delivered deep client counsel across Edelman’s global network.
Gray Haupt has been with Edelman for fourteen years, most recently as Chair of U.S. Health, a role she will retain, and as Global Health COO. She has led international campaigns on vaccine confidence, antimicrobial resistance and mental health and directed global efforts on healthcare trade policy and medical research.
Before joining Edelman, she served as Vice President, Public Affairs and Health Policy for Spectrum Science. Previously, she held the role of Vice President, government affairs and communications, for Washington Health Advocates, where she focused on NIH, CDC and FDA policy and patient advocacy. Gray Haupt also managed global advocacy programs for the Association of Clinical Research Organizations with stakeholders in the U.S., EU and Asia on clinical research policies and education.
“Our Edelman Health team is on the front lines of health communications with organizations across the health community worldwide,” Gray Haupt said. “Our experts are steeped in the rapidly evolving landscape across patients, providers and health systems and the solutions clients must bring forward to address the needs of their stakeholders. The advisory support we deliver to clients with corporate affairs strategy and reputation management is increasingly critical.”
Hauser has been with Edelman for nineteen years, most recently as Global Client Leader to key health clients, a role she will retain. She has led some of the firm’s largest global client relationships including GSK, Haleon, Alcon, Reckitt, and the American Heart Association. She has partnered with organizations across complex global markets to advance bold changes in health and business, working to improve health access, prevent and reduce disease, and help people live healthier and longer lives.
Hauser joined Edelman having built her own marketing/communications firm specializing in consumer lifestyle and health companies and brands, which she sold to Havas in 2002. She recently earned her Master’s in Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health and a Business Leadership and Sustainability executive certification from University of Cambridge.
“As chronic disease continues to increase globally due to factors like the aging population, lifestyle behaviors and environmental changes, brands have an opportunity to both tell their stories and make a positive health impact,” Hauser said. “I’m honored and excited to be taking on this Co-Chair role alongside Courtney, especially at a time when health brand marketing is being redefined and we have opportunity to set a new pace for commercial success.”
They will officially take on the Global Health Co-Chair roles as of July 1.
Edelman’s award-winning health and brand creative teams were recognized this week at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Edelman and Salutem, a DJE health agency, won Silver Lions for client Sanofi’s “Allegra Airways” campaign in Health & Wellness Lions and for client Dove’s “Code My Crown” campaign in both the Entertainment/Gaming Lions and the PR Lions. “Code My Crown” also achieved a Bronze Lion in Digital Craft Lions. Edelman’s Wendy Chan, Health Creative Lead for APAC, was honored as the 2024 Cannes Lions Jury President for the Health and Wellness Lions, celebrating her fourth year as a Jury member.
Edelman has been recognized with a number of other “best in” accolades, including additional Cannes Lions, PR Week awards and more, for client work spanning media relations, health equity, public affairs, social media and influencers, sustainable development, creative data, design and beyond.