Jeanne Forbis Selected to Lead Medtronic Global Public and Media Relations

Life Science Partner recruit an accomplished communicator, crisis manager and media expert

Life Science Partner announces the placement of Jeanne Forbis as vice president, public and media relations for Minneapolis-based Medtronic, Inc. Forbis will hold worldwide responsibility for public and media relations, community affairs, brand management and the Medtronic Foundation.

An award-winning communications expert with 24 years of experience, Forbis will also lead corporate communications strategy and represent the company as a spokesperson. Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, has more than $7 billion in annual revenues.

“As a former journalist, spokesperson and media relations executive, Jeanne clearly possesses the depth of experience and breadth of skills to have an impact at Medtronic,” says Life Science Partner Founder and President Thomas H. Callaway. “The placement is particularly noteworthy, however, because Jeanne was drawn not only to the opportunity, but to Medtronic’s mission.”

Over her career, Forbis has held leadership roles at major newspapers, guided relations with the financial and lay press, managed crisis response and advised on senior executive communication strategies. Prior to Medtronic, she was general manager, corporate communications at ChevronTexaco, the second largest American energy company.

As manager, corporate communications at Conoco, Forbis guided executive, financial and employee communications through major transitions such as the company’s merger with Phillips Petroleum, Conoco’s split from DuPont and initial public offering, and the acquisition of Gulf Canada.

In managing the Conoco-Phillips merger while at Conoco, Forbis leveraged her previous seven years of experience at Phillips Petroleum, where she served as a company spokesperson in media relations and as financial communications coordinator.

Between 1979 and 1990, Forbis held editorial titles at Tulsa World and The St. Louis Sun.

Forbis holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Oklahoma State University.