Bayer Names Three to New U.S. Government Relations, External Communications Roles

WHIPPANY, N.J., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bayer Corporation announced today the appointments of Brian McCullough, Mark Bennett and Joseph Hathaway to newly created positions in U.S. Government Relations and External Communications, respectively.

McCullough, who comes to Bayer after serving nearly two decades as senior professional staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, began June 2 as Director of Operations for Bayer U.S. Government Relations.  He is based in Washington, D.C.

Bennett, who most recently served as Group Director at W2O Group, a leading public relations firm, is Director of Digital Communications, where he will be responsible for developing and overseeing all digital communications and social media efforts for Bayer Corporation in the United States.  Bennett, who started May 27, oversees a coordinated and proactive social media program designed to enhance Bayer's visibility, engagement and reputation in the United States.  In addition, Bennett will be responsible for various Bayer U.S websites.  Bennett is based in Whippany, N.J. 

Hathaway comes to Bayer after working nearly four years for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.  In his new role, Hathaway will serve as Specialist of Executive Communications, where he will be responsible for developing and implementing an external engagement strategy in support of Bayer senior executives in the United States.  Hathaway, who joined Bayer on June 23, will be based in Whippany, N.J.    

McCullough will report to Christopher Leahy, vice president and head of Government Relations, while Bennett and Hathaway will report to Christopher Loder, vice president and head of External Communications. 

"We are excited to have these three impressive professionals join the Bayer team as we continue our mission of raising Bayer's profile in the United States and advancing our goal of `Science for a Better Life,' '' said Raymond F. Kerins, Jr., senior vice president and head of Communications, Government Relations & Policy for Bayer Corporation.  "McCullough's extensive experience on the Energy and Commerce Committee will help us enhance our relationships in Congress.  Bennett is one of the premier digital communications experts in the United States, bringing unparalleled expertise and insight to Bayer.  Hathaway has spent his career supporting one of the nation's top governors, and he will serve Bayer well as we develop an executive engagement program that reaches all of our key audiences in the United States."    

Brian McCullough brings to Bayer nearly two decades of policy and legislative experience in the areas of financial services, trade, manufacturing, information technology and consumer protection issues.  In his role at the Energy and Commerce Committee, McCullough drafted legislation, advised and prepared chairmen and members of the committee, briefed legislative staff and represented the committee in meetings with key external audiences.  In addition to serving under four Republican chairmen of the Energy and Commerce Committee, McCullough was the committee's chief financial officer and was responsible for helping to manage the functional and financial affairs of the committee's staff while serving in the minority.  His Capitol Hill experience included passage of more than a dozen public laws, representing the committee before government officials in China regarding food and product safety issues, and assisting in the committee's investigations into corporate fraud and failures, including the collapse of Enron.  McCullough received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Richmond and an M.B.A from George Mason University.   McCullough resides in Arlington, Va.

Mark Bennett, who has two decades of experience in corporate and marketing communications, is no stranger to Bayer.  He previously served in a variety of communications roles at Bayer from 2002 to 2008.  Bennett has experience in nearly every aspect of global and U.S. corporate and product communications, including brand positioning, CSR, regulatory and clinical data strategy and communications, advocacy communications, issues management, media relations, collateral/press material development, social media policy, analytics and engagement, web site design and content development.  Bennett is a graduate of Marist College with a B.A. in Communications.  He resides in Wilton, Conn.

Joe Hathaway joins Bayer after serving as Advance Director of Special Events for Gov. Christie since November 2010.  In this role, Hathaway was responsible for planning and overseeing logistics of all functions involving Gov. Christie, including serving as liaison between the Governor and the public at town halls, large events and press conferences.  Hathaway also supervised media access to the Governor.  A 2009 graduate of Yale University, Hathaway was the 2008 Second Team All-Ivy League Defensive Tackle and 2009 UNICO Italian-American National Amateur Athlete of the Year.  He resides in Bloomfield, N.J.     

About Bayer Corporation
Bayer Corporation is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials.  As an inventor company, Bayer sets trends in research-intensive areas.  Bayer products and services are designed to benefit people and improve the quality of life.  At the same time, Bayer aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power.  Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and acts as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. In fiscal 2013, Bayer employed 113,200 people at year-end and had sales of €40.2 billion. In North America, Bayer had 2013 net sales of €9,680 million ($12,874 million) and employed 15,200 at year-end. For more information, go to www.bayerus.com.

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Forward Looking Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer Web site at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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SOURCE Bayer Corporation