Jacqui Kirby
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

As I reflect on Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on the inspiring leaders who have shaped the pharmaceutical industry through their vision and determination. Many of these leaders are celebrated scientists, researchers and physicians working to improve patient lives. As the newly appointed chief corporate affairs officer at Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, I find myself equally inspired by the remarkable female leaders in corporate affairs who have transformed how organizations articulate their vision, engage stakeholders and ultimately influence business performance.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand how strategic communications translate scientific breakthroughs into compelling narratives that build investor confidence, regulatory relationships and ultimately business performance. The ever-evolving landscape of pharmaceutical development demands more than scientific breakthroughs—it requires leaders who can articulate a compelling vision that aligns teams, stakeholders and complex regulatory environments. Corporate affairs directly influences how organizations in this industry are perceived and valued.

Corporate Affairs Leadership that Advances Scientific Impact

When I joined Crinetics in 2023, I recognized the organization’s distinctive qualities immediately. What attracted me to Crinetics was the trailblazing spirit of the organization—innovative, committed to patients, and positioned to make a meaningful difference for those living with endocrine disorders.

As chief corporate affairs officer at Crinetics, I oversee investor relations, corporate communications, patient engagement and government affairs functions, ensuring our scientific innovations and patient-centric mission are effectively communicated to all stakeholders. The path from scientific discovery to patient impact requires more than just excellent science. It demands teams that can communicate that science effectively to investors, engage meaningfully with patient communities and navigate complex regulatory and policy environments. Scientists speak one language. Patients speak another. Investors and policymakers have their own dialects entirely. Our job in corporate affairs is to be the translators and strategists who ensure these worlds don’t just coexist—they collaborate effectively toward shared goals.

In my experience, the foundation of best-in-class communications in our industry begins with two essential elements: deep scientific understanding and authentic personal presence. As corporate affairs professionals, we must first master the technical knowledge behind our organization’s research, becoming fluent in the science that drives innovation. Equally important is how we present ourselves and our messages—our presence, preparation and ability to engage with authenticity determine whether our scientifically sound narratives will truly make an impact.

Curiosity as the Cornerstone of Effective Communication

I firmly believe that scientific curiosity must form the foundation of impactful communication and leadership. The pharmaceutical industry is inherently complex, consistently meeting the demands of evolving science, changing regulations, shifting stakeholder needs and public scrutiny. Our job in corporate affairs is to be the translators who ensure these worlds collaborate effectively. This requires more than surface-level knowledge—it demands the ability to understand complex scientific concepts deeply enough to reframe them for different audiences without losing accuracy or nuance. When we master this balance, we transform technical achievements into compelling narratives that drive business results while maintaining scientific integrity.

My advice to women in the pharmaceutical field is to deeply understand your audience and focus on delivering continued value through innovation and collaboration. I’d also recommend being agile and flexible, being open to change and ready to pivot when needed. By mastering the technical knowledge behind our organization’s research, we position ourselves as essential voices in key business decisions and strategy formation.

Personal Presence as a Strategic Advantage

In this industry, how you present what you know is equally important as what you know. In boardrooms, investor meetings and regulatory discussions, I’ve learned that preparation and authentic engagement amplify the impact of our scientific expertise. This means doing the research, anticipating questions and calibrating delivery with authority and openness. Combining technical knowledge with purposeful presence, we better translate the science into actionable insights that influence business decisions.

Building the Future Through Mentorship and Opportunity

For women building careers at the intersection of science and business, I offer advice shaped by my own professional journey:

  • Do your research. Ensure you’re with a company that believes in development and recognizes the influence corporate affairs has on perception and business performance.
  • Find mentors. My own path has been shaped by inspiring women throughout my career, beginning with my mother and sisters, and extending to the many remarkable women I’ve had the privilege to work alongside in the industry. These relationships have been essential to my growth, teaching me that effective leadership isn’t about conforming to a single model, but rather about leveraging your unique perspective to drive meaningful change. I believe strongly in paying it forward — when someone reaches out for advice or opportunities, I make time to respond because I remember how much it meant when mentors did the same for me. This cycle of guidance and support creates ripples that extend far beyond any single conversation.

Looking Forward: Leadership that Drives Progress

As Crinetics continues building toward the future of endocrine treatment, I’m committed to ensuring our groundbreaking science connects meaningfully with the broader ecosystem through strategic communication and policy development. Crinetics has nothing but excitement and opportunity ahead, and as the organization’s chief corporate affairs officer, I’m honored to contribute to the organization’s trajectory to become the leader in improving the lives of patients impacted by endocrine disorders worldwide.