Dr. Moira Gilchrist

For years, I worked in science, believing that facts alone could change the world. What I have learned since: it’s not just the science—it’s how you communicate it that truly moves people. Today, I lead communications at Philip Morris International (PMI), where I help shape and share the story of our company’s evolution – from one that only sold cigarettes to one that is actively working to deliver a world without them. It is a mission that blends science, strategy, and transparency, and one I am proud to champion. I joined PMI in 2006 and over the years, I held several positions across R&D, product development, and corporate affairs, always drawn to the intersection of innovation and impact. Previously I spent more than a decade in the pharmaceutical sector consulting for PwC and IBM and working in both industry and nonprofit settings as a developer of drug formulations​. What drives me in my current role is making sure people judge us based on the facts of today – and not the perceptions of the past. This means communicating with integrity, listening with empathy, and staying grounded in the science. I am also a lifelong learner, a problem solver, and someone who believes the most powerful conversations are often the most difficult ones. If we want to make progress—as a company, as an industry, as a society—we need to keep having them.