Exclusive: Sally Susman to join FGS Global board, alongside KKR
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Former Pfizer executive Sally Susman has been appointed to the global executive board of FGS Global, Axios is first to report.
Why it matters: Susman brings the perspective of a Fortune 100 chief corporate affairs officer at a moment when CEOs are navigating heightened volatility, stakeholder activism and political backlash.
Zoom in: The global executive board was established after KKR's 2024 acquisition of the firm, a deal that valued FGS at $1.7 billion.
- Susman is one of two independent members of the board, which also includes McKinsey & Company senior partner Homayoun Hatami, KKR partner and global head of public affairs Ken Mehlman and members of FGS' executive leadership team.
Catch up quick: Susman is credited as one of the early architects of the modern corporate affairs function.
- She spent 18 years at Pfizer, where she managed three CEO transitions, supported the rollout of the COVID vaccine, launched the foundation's Accord for a Healthier World initiative and helped the company dodge a high-profile proxy battle.
- Prior to Pfizer, Susman led communications and corporate affairs at the Estée Lauder Companies and American Express and supported legislative affairs in the U.S. Senate and Department of Commerce.
Between the lines: Her appointment signals FGS' ambition to further position itself not just as a communications adviser, but as a strategic partner to CEOs and boards confronting reputational, geopolitical and capital markets risk in an increasingly fraught operating environment.
What they're saying: Susman's voice on the board will be an important representation of the client's point of view, says FGS Global CEO Alex Geiser.
- "Sally is very publicly respected and regarded as someone who operates at the forefront of the sector," Geiser said. "She also understands what is truly meaningful to clients, and we want that perspective and thoughtfulness as we think about growing the firm."
What's next: FGS posted double-digit revenue growth over the last year and is leaning into expansion, including recent acquisitions of health care advisory Tarplin, Downs & Young and threat intelligence firm Memetica, alongside the launch of an AI advisory practice.
- Expect the board — now bolstered by Susman's experience — to play an active role in shaping the firm's next phase of M&A, capability buildout and growth.
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