Bayer U.S. announced today that Raymond F. Kerins, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, Government Relations & Policy, has been elected Vice Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). In this role, Kerins will serve as a leading voice in GIPC's efforts to support intellectual property standards that promote innovation and creativity, create jobs, save lives and advance economic and cultural prosperity.

Kerins, who has more than two decades of experience in helping global corporations communicate effectively and improve their reputations, joined Bayer in 2013. Kerins served in senior communications posts at Pfizer and Merck prior to Bayer.

"Ray is a creative, thoughtful and effective policy leader and communicator," said David Hirschmann, president and chief executive officer of GIPC. "We are fortunate to welcome Ray as vice chairman as we work around the world to advance intellectual property standards. Ray, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, understands that consumers and businesses benefit from policies that incentivize companies and individuals to invest in research, innovation and creativity."

Kerins said he is humbled and honored to be GIPC's new Vice Chairman and looks forward to advocating on behalf of innovators. "Intellectual property is the lifeblood of innovation," Kerins said. "A strong system that honors patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets is the only sustainable way that will bring forward the latest lifesaving medical treatments and breakthrough technologies. I am proud to work with GIPC in fighting for strong IP rights that spur creativity, investment and job creation."

Kerins has long been recognized for his outstanding achievements in the public relations industry. Among his many honors are the "2017 Outstanding In-House Professional Award" and the "2010 Public Relations Professional of the Year," both from PRWeek Magazine. He also currently serves on the U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention's Business Roundtable on Global Health Threats.

A lifelong New Yorker, Kerins is a graduate of Iona College, where he received B.A. and Master's degrees.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.us.