STAMFORD, CT—Purdue Pharma has named Josie Martin as vice president of corporate affairs and communications, leading Purdue Pharma’s corporate communications, government affairs and health policy efforts. Martin most recently served as executive vice president of public affairs at Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), where she managed the industry’s global reputation efforts with diverse stakeholders.

NEW YORK—Viacom has promoted Julia Phelps to senior vice president, communications and culture, a newly created role on the company’s senior executive team that will lead corporate communications, corporate marketing and culture. Most recently, Phelps led communications for the company’s international business, Viacom International Media Networks. Phelps joined Viacom in 2005 from New York-based agency DeVries Public Relations.

CINCINNATI—Supermarket chain The Kroger Co. has named Kristal Howard head of corporate communications and media relations. Howard has been serving as public relations manager for Kroger’s Dallas and Houston divisions since 2010.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA—Hyundai Motor America has named Michael Stewart as senior group manager, corporate and marketing public relations reporting to director of communications Jim Trainor. Stewart will be responsible for enhancing Hyundai’s corporate reputation, executing thought leadership and executive visibility programming, disseminating corporate and business news. He comes to Hyundai with more than a decade of experience supporting the company at its public relations agency, Ketchum. Earlier, Stewart worked at MSL and before that at Nike Golf.

LAVAL, QUE—Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, parent company of Bausch & Lomb, has named Lainie Keller as vice president of corporate communications. Keller will be responsible for external corporate communications and media relations strategies. She joined the company from Merck & Co., where she most recently served as a director of corporate media relations, overseeing corporate, financial, litigation and policy communications.