Johanna Herrmann

Johanna Herrmann is the Vice President, Global Communications at Merck, where she leads a global team focused on driving business value through external, internal and digital communications strategies. In this role, she is responsible for developing and executing the company’s communications approach, engaging with key external and internal stakeholders, protecting, defending and elevating Merck’s global reputation, and amplifying the company’s contributions to global health. Johanna also serves as Chief of Staff to Cristal N. Downing, Merck’s Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer. Johanna has more than a decade of experience helping some of the world’s largest and most valuable brands build their reputation and deliver results. With a blended skillset across corporate communications, brand strategy and journalism, she applies the breadth and depth of expertise to create meaningful value for the company and its stakeholders. Johanna has led numerous global campaigns with internal, media, digital, social and community outreach components, including high-stakes issues and crisis management workstreams with substantial implications for the business. Prior to Merck, she was a director at Gagen MacDonald, a strategic consulting firm, an external communications manager for WellCare Health Plans (now part of Centene) and a global communications manager for The Coca-Cola Company. She started her career as a news producer at WWAY News Channel 3. Johanna is a member of Forbes’ Communications Council. In 2022, she a was named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 list. In 2023, she was a Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.