Birgit Held

Birgit Held is the Global Head of Communications and Business/Market Services for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (and/or its affiliates). In this role, she is responsible for all global internal and external communications for the company’s largest sector — made up of 27,000 employees — working together to impact life and health with science. Her areas of responsibility also include CEO executive communication, digital strategy, and social media, as well as brand strategy and creative services.

Prior to joining the company, Birgit spent eight years with the family-owned BENTELER Group, a global automotive and steel tube company with 25,000 employees. As Vice President of Communications & Marketing, Birgit managed a global communications and marketing team across 26 countries that supported the company’s business objectives by implementing impactful strategies and initiatives including change management, digital marketing, sustainability, and financial communications. She and her team also developed, protected, and promoted the corporate and product brands through engaging content and campaigns.

Birgit brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership, corporate and digital marketing, change management, and journalism. She has a proven track record in effective relationship management with employees, work councils, media stakeholders, customers, consumers, shareholders, and online audiences. She also has a strong professional background in B2C and B2B marketing, brand management, digital communication, and employer branding.

Prior to BENTELER Group, Birgit worked for 15 years at the global consumer goods company, Essity, holding various positions in communications and consumer goods marketing leadership at the local, regional, and global levels.

Birgit holds a master’s degree in communications, marketing and advertising, psychology, and media law from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany. She is based in Darmstadt, Germany.