Johnson & Johnson Medical has tapped a senior pharmaceutical industry executive to lead its Australian-based communications function.
James Boyce, director of external relations and communications for Medicines Australia, the peak body of the local research-based pharmaceutical industry, will join Johnson & Johnson Medical in February.
Mr Boyce, who is a journalist by profession and served as a senior press secretary to former prime minister Tony Abbott, joined Medicines Australia in 2015.
He has played a significant role in rebuilding the association's relationships and reputation amongst key decision-makers in Canberra following its failure to secure a strategic agreement as part of PBS reform negotiations in 2015.
The medical device sector has been subjected to significant scrutiny in recent years, primarily focussed on pricing issues, with health minister Greg Hunt announcing significant reforms late last year.
Johnson & Johnson Medical recently announced new leadership with its Australian and New Zealand business. Sue Martin succeeded Gavin Fox-Smith.