THOUSAND OAKS, CA--Ray Jordan is to take on corporate affairs leadership at Amgen, ending his ten-year tenure as global communications chief at Johnson & Johnson. 

Jordan begins his new role on 1 October, reporting directly to Amgen president and CEO Robert Bradway. He will be responsible for strategic communications across Amgen, including internal and external communications, issues management and philanthropy.

Johnson joined J&J in 2003, and was responsible for responsible for corporate communications and public affairs for more than 250 operating companies in 60 countries. His tenure at the company was not without incident, and included numerous product recalls, safety issues and lawsuits. 

At Amgen, he becomes SVP of corporate affairs, a role that was previously handled by government affairs SVP David Beier.

A pharma veteran, Jordan spent 17 years at Pfizer before joining J&J, rising to the position of vice president of communications and information. He also served as chair of PhRMA's public affairs section and of the National Pharmaceutical Council's user group.

"We are very pleased to have Ray join Amgen," said Bradway.  "He is a strategic thinker and communicator with skills honed at two respected global health care companies.  Ray's background in both business management and communication will serve Amgen well as we execute on our strategy to deliver results for both patients and shareholders."

Last year, the Holmes Report named Jordan to its Influence 100 list of the world's top in-house communicators.

Amgen is the world's largest independent biotech firm, and has made numerous acquisitions in recent years as it seeks to boost investor returns.