Head of Government Affairs, APAC

Direct message the job poster from DN & Associates Executive Search Pte Ltd | HEADHUNTER Executive Recruiter | Talent Partner to MedTech, Pharma, Consumer Tech & Life Sciences Leaders Across APAC Head of Government Affairs, APAC High-impact, strategic role In this newly created role, you will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s public policy and government engagement strategy across the Asia Pacific region. This leader will play a key role in fostering constructive relationships with government agencies, policymakers, and industry associations, while ensuring the company’s perspectives are represented in policy discussions that impact the healthcare sector. The role requires a combination of leadership, strategic thinking, regulatory insight, and strong understanding of APAC’s healthcare landscape. This is a senior leadership opportunity to help shape the company’s public policy and healthcare engagement across APAC. The role offers a platform to contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare ecosystems and to represent a company that prioritizes innovation, integrity and patient impact. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership and Government Engagement Develop and implement a comprehensive public policy and government engagement strategy aligned with the company’s regional and global priorities. Serve as the senior representative on policy and regulatory matters, engaging with relevant ministries, regulatory agencies, and industry bodies. Provide policy insights and analysis on emerging healthcare, regulatory, and political developments across APAC and their implications for the company. Offer strategic counsel to senior leadership on market access , regulatory developments, and policy trends impacting business operations. 2. Stakeholder Collaboration and Industry Representation Build and maintain trusted, transparent relationships with government and regulatory stakeholders, as well as key opinion leaders and industry associations. Collaborate with trade groups, professional organizations, and think tanks to contribute to evidence-based policy discussions. Represent the company in key meetings, dialogues, and public forums relevant to healthcare and life sciences policy. 3. Regulatory and Compliance Alignment Ensure all engagement activities are fully compliant with local laws, company ethics standards, and global compliance policies, including FCPA requirements. Work closely with Ethics and Compliance teams to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all government and stakeholder interactions. Advise leadership on potential regulatory or political risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. 4. Team Leadership and Development Lead and develop a high-performing regional policy and government engagement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability. Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members. Manage external public affairs and government relations consultants in alignment with company compliance standards. 5. Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility Support public affairs and CSR initiatives that align with local community priorities and the company’s mission. Drive initiatives that enhance corporate reputation and reinforce the company’s contribution to healthcare advancement and patient well-being in the region. Required Skills and Competencies Leadership and Strategic Thinking Proven track record of senior leadership in public policy, regulatory, or government engagement roles, ideally within healthcare or life sciences. Ability to design and execute long-term engagement strategies in complex, regulated markets. Expert Knowledge of the APAC Healthcare Landscape Deep understanding of the healthcare regulatory environment, healthcare reforms and government structures in APAC Understanding of key political and economic factors impacting the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Government and Policy Engagement Expertise Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, and industry bodies across key APAC markets and in managing complex B to G relationships. Strong understanding of policymaking processes and the ability to provide data-driven policy perspectives. Communication and Relationship Building Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and other regional languages Strong negotiation, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder interests. Cultural and Political Acumen Deep appreciation of the cultural, political, and economic dynamics across APAC. Ability to operate effectively across multiple jurisdictions and within a multinational environment. Results-Oriented and Ethical Leadership Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable outcomes while upholding the highest ethical and compliance standards. Resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment in navigating ambiguity and complex policy issues. Your Background Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (Advanced Degree preferred). Minimum of 10 years’ experience in public policy, government engagement, regulatory affairs, or related fields, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity. Proven success managing policy or government relations for a multinational corporation in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors. Demonstrated experience working across diverse APAC markets and understanding of healthcare systems and regulatory processes. Strong alignment with corporate ethics and compliance frameworks, with a commitment to FCPA and local legal requirements. The standout candidate will have.. Deep familiarity with healthcare reimbursement, tender, and access mechanisms in the region. Knowledge on healthcare bids and tender process, direct sales and indirect sales via distributors. A global perspective and the ability to understand the implications of policy proposals on the global marketplace. The ability to build and maintain strong relationships both internally within an organization and externally with key stakeholders and groups. Experience working in cross-functional environments with commercial, regulatory, and medical teams. Prior experience working within or alongside U.S. multinationals. Proficiency in additional Asian languages will be advantageous. Thank you for your interest. 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