Medicines Australia appoints communications director
Medicines Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachael Coghlan as Communications Director and a new member of the Medicines Australia Executive Team.
Rachael Coghlan is an award-winning, cultural sector leader with a track record of success across the full suite of strategic, multi-channel communication initiatives in public, community and membership environments.
As an experienced executive, board director and researcher Rachael has executed carefully designed strategic renewal and engagement programs in complex environments. She led the strategic transformation of Parliament House’s public engagement, implementing an ambitious program of retail strategy (instore and online), visitor services, events, and collaborations to maximise attendance, revenue and public benefit.
She also brings experience in membership organisations as CEO of Craft ACT (Australia’s longest, continuous-running visual arts membership organisation). A new strategic plan, expanded communications, and strong governance transformed the organisation with financial security, increased relevance and value, and expanded engagement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to the Medicines Australia team and have someone of such a high calibre to bring a new emphasis to our strategic communication campaigns. As the momentum now builds on our HTA Reform priorities having the best strategic communications capabilities within our organisation is imperative,” says Liz de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.
Rachael has built a reputation as a trusted, professional and innovative collaborator with professionals, educators, industry and government. She gained her PhD from the Australian National University, and her thesis received an Australian Museums and Galleries Association National Award for Research.
“It’s a great privilege to be joining Medicines Australia and working at such a critical time with the organisation’s members to ensure Australians have access to the latest medicines through the PBS,” adds Rachael Coghlan.
“Progressing the early success of the #strongerPBS campaign will be an extremely rewarding and immediate priority.”
Rachael continues to support the arts as Deputy Director of the Cultural Facilities Corporation overseeing the Canberra Theatre, Canberra Museum and Gallery and ACT Historic Places.
She will report to CEO Liz de Somer and commenced in the role on 28 April 2025.
Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560
About Medicines Australia
Medicines Australia leads the research-based pharmaceutical industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop and manufacture the medicines that are the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society, including prescription pharmaceutical products, biotherapeutic products and vaccines. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.