Wendy Sussman has been appointed vice president of U.S. Healthcare Government & Public Affairs, EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada.
 
In this role, Ms. Sussman will lead the company’s government policy strategy and advocacy at the federal and state level.  
 
“Collaboration is critical across all healthcare stakeholders in order to continue to advocate for and deliver meaningful solutions for patients,” said Gary Zieziula, president and managing director, EMD Serono. “With Wendy’s wealth of knowledge and strategic experience in advocacy and government relations, I’m confident in her ability to further our efforts and strengthen EMD Serono’s leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry.” 
 
Ms. Sussman previously served as vice president of Public Affairs for Sandoz Inc., a Novartis Division, where she was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to promote and protect key business priorities and to advance the company’s interests through legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, trade associations and advocacy groups. She previously worked as the head of Governmental Affairs for Hospira where she represented corporate interests before Congress, and helped develop and execute federal, state, policy and alliance development strategies.
 
Ms. Sussman succeeds Michael Ruggiero, who was recently appointed to a new position within Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, as vice president, Global Franchise Business Partners on the Healthcare Global Government and Public Affairs team.