Robert Zirkelbach
Robert Zirkelbach is an accomplished public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping the debate and influencing policy on behalf of highly regulated industries and corporations. As Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Zirkelbach leads public affairs, strategic initiatives and membership on behalf of America’s biopharmaceutical industry.
He oversees integrated public affairs campaigns that advance patient-first solutions, strengthen our health care system and preserve the role of the U.S. as the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. Since returning to PhRMA in 2023, he has elevated the industry’s voice in Washington, expanded PhRMA’s membership and spearheaded the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Zirkelbach served as Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led high-impact advocacy campaigns on issues central to the company’s mission, including climate change and plastic waste. During his tenure, he also oversaw a strategic risk function responsible for identifying and mitigating potential policy, geopolitical and reputation risks facing the company. Zirkelbach served as spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the pivotal debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He started his career on Capitol Hill as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).
Zirkelbach is a graduate of Central College. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.
Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robzirk/
How AI is transforming the drug innovation lifecycle
Biopharmaceutical innovation for a healthier America: PhRMA releases new innovation report
PhRMA launches education campaign on the benefits of America's IP system
ICYMI: Health care policy should be driven by patients, not politics
New PhRMA ad campaign sheds light on PBM abuses
AHIP’s latest misinformation campaign & what it’s trying to hide
"If Washington isn’t careful, we might leave innovation behind"
Survey: AARP members support sharing medicine discounts with seniors
Giving patients a voice: PhRMA launches Voters for Cures to support the next generation of treatments and cures
The PBM story you haven’t heard: Hidden fees quadrupled in two years
Americans want to know more than just the list price of a medicine—and we’re answering their call
How much are hospitals marking up the price of medicines? The answer may surprise you.
PhRMA response to Washington Post and 60 Minutes stories
New “Let’s Talk About Cost” campaign convenes national dialogue on medicine costs
Fighting multiple sclerosis: New Together ad illuminates the journey of patient & scientist
A New World of Medicine: New GOBOLDLY ads showcase groundbreaking scientific advancements
Why won’t the insurance industry tell the truth about medicine costs?
This is not a special effect: New video shows the destruction of a rogue cell
This is not a video game: New TV ad showcases the destruction of a cancer cell by immune system
Robby Zirklebach