Maria Simson

Background

About Maria Simson

I have over 10 years’ experience in the integrated communications industry, working for leading healthcare agencies. I am a passionate health, patient engagement and public affairs consultant with special interest in the global policy environment and the national trends impacting the health of populations worldwide. I currently lead the global expert secretariat for the Obesity Policy Engagement Network, working with HCPs, people living with obesity, academics and policy makers to advocate for improved strategies which enable better management and care for people living with obesity. My main area of expertise is in the development and execution of strategies that help to change behaviour and perceptions and encourage a wide array of stakeholders to take specific actions which align with an organisation’s goals. I have taken on the role of project manager and strategist for national, global and pan-European internal and external activities, as well as the role of consultant for internal markets, providing them with the guidance and templates required to implement global campaigns locally. I have extensive project management experience and have worked on a variety of global and UK Public Affairs initiatives, disease awareness campaigns and patient programmes addressing a broad range of topics, including COVID-19, obesity, rare diseases, children’s nutrition, sexual health, opioid addiction, cardiovascular disease, and smoking cessation. Throughout my career, I have produced content for a variety of digital and traditional outlets using a range of communications tools to disseminate messages, educate and engage both external and internal audiences, including social media, websites, blogs, publications, intranets, press, meetings and conferences.