Lauren Kashtan

Bio:

Lauren Kashtan is the Head of Global Commercial, R&D and Operations Communications at Viatris, a global healthcare company. She has nearly 20 years of global communications experience in building, shaping and protecting corporate reputation. Her experience includes media relations, issues management, external thought leadership, employee engagement, financial, litigation, CSR, scientific, business development, executive and policy communications. Lauren has a strong track record as a trusted and highly collaborative strategic communications partner.

In her current role, Lauren leads a team responsible for product, pipeline and manufacturing communications to build awareness of Viatris’ commercial strategy and scientific leadership to drive business results and to strengthen employee pride and engagement. Lauren is passionate about leveraging authentic and personal storytelling to inspire colleagues and foster meaningful connections. She played a leadership role in the formation of the company’s women’s employee resource group, EmpoWer, and currently serves as Co-Chair. 

From 2019 to 2020, Lauren led integration communications around the combination of Mylan, one of the world’s largest generics and specialty pharmaceutical companies, with Upjohn, a division of Pfizer, to form Viatris. She applied creative thinking, around-the-clock collaboration with colleagues all over the world and meticulous execution to ensure a seamless Day 1 for employees and external stakeholders. 

Prior to Viatris, Lauren spent 11 years at Mylan, where she held multiple senior roles as part of the Global Communications team, including Head of North America Communications and Director, Media Relations and External Communications. Her experience at Mylan spanned a wide range of communications, including media relations, public relations campaigns, corporate reputation management, executive communications, digital and social media and employee engagement.

In Lauren’s early career she worked at Ketchum managing communications programs for a number of clients across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector. Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Maryland. She also completed the Viatris Executive Leadership Academy at Harvard Business School. Lauren lives in Maryland with her husband, their two children and golden retriever.