Robert Zirkelbach is Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In this role, Mr. Zirkelbach oversees the organization’s media, advertising and executive communications efforts, along with message development and internal communications. He also leads a new strategic initiatives function that focuses on the development of proactive advocacy strategies around emerging issues facing the industry.

Mr. Zirkelbach returned to PhRMA after spending the past several years as the Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led advocacy efforts on issues critical to the company, including climate change and plastic waste. Earlier in his career, he was the spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act and served as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).