In the newly created role at the automated insulin delivery system developer, Downing will build and lead a corporate affairs function aimed at strengthening Insulet’s corporate reputation, advancing business priorities, catalyzing customer value and deepening engagement with critical stakeholders.
Downing reports to Insulet’s President and CEO, Ashley McEvoy.
“As Insulet enters its next phase of growth, we have a clear opportunity to more sharply communicate and elevate our transformative story of innovation and impact,” said McEvoy. “Cristal brings deep expertise as a communications and public affairs leader, with a proven ability to shape corporate strategy and navigate complex environments. Her strategic perspective, talent for creating meaningful, human-centered narratives, and dedication to building stakeholder trust will play a critical role in helping us bring Omnipod to even more people globally.”
More about the new executive appointment at Insulet
Downing has more than 20 years of executive leadership, including in the medtech and life sciences spaces. Most recently, she served as EVP and chief communications & public affairs officer at Merck. There, she led a global organization of approximately 300 professionals, developing and executing strategies that strengthened the company’s global reputation, according to a news release.
Before Merck, Downing held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, where McEvoy also had a long stint before taking over at Insulet. At J&J, she served as VP, global communications & public affairs for the Medical Device business (now Johnson & Johnson MedTech). She also served as VP for financial communications.
Other strategic communications roles held by Downing included stints at American Express, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.
At Insulet, she will oversee global communications, public policy, government affairs and corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement. Her position includes serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
“I am honored and excited to join Insulet at such a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory,” said Cristal Downing. “Insulet’s mission and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with diabetes deeply resonate with me. I look forward to partnering with Ashley and the executive team to amplify Insulet’s voice, strengthen stakeholder trust, and help shape an operating environment that enables the Company to accelerate innovation, expand global access, and deliver enduring value to Podders, providers and the communities we serve.”
