NORTHBROOK, Ill., June 9, 2016 -- Astellas today announced that Candace Johnson has been named associate director, product communications, within the company’s Corporate Affairs department. In this role, Johnson will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications programming that drives awareness and understanding of key Astellas therapeutic areas – specifically, urology, cardiology and infectious diseases – among employees and external audiences. She will report to Tyler Marciniak, head of product communications for Astellas Americas.

“Astellas embraces transparency through open communication in building awareness of our commercial portfolio with key stakeholders,” said Marciniak. “We are pleased to add Candace’s broad experience in implementing strategic communications programming to the Astellas Corporate Affairs team and are confident she will help us continue to foster strong relationships with our key stakeholders.”

Johnson brings nearly 20 years of experience working in journalism, public relations and strategic communications to Astellas. Most recently, she served as communications manager at Eli Lilly and Company, where she supported the Lilly Diabetes U.S., global and development marketing teams in clinical trial and data disclosures of type 2 diabetes treatments, and led strategic communications for the business unit's franchise and multicultural programs. Earlier in her career, she worked as a reporter and editor covering health, family and lifestyle beats.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

Led by Jeff Winton, senior vice president, Corporate Affairs, the Corporate Affairs Department at Astellas combines Corporate, Employee and Business Communications; Government Affairs and Public Policy; Astellas US Foundation; Stakeholder Engagement; Corporate Branding; Corporate Social Responsibility; Strategic Communications and Collaboration; Medical and Development Communications and Corporate Events to unify the Astellas voice across all internal and external stakeholders.

About Astellas
Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/astellas-pharma.