Cristal N. Downing is the executive vice president and chief communications & public affairs officer of Merck & Co., Inc., one of the world's largest, most innovative and most admired research-driven biopharmaceutical companies. Downing leads Merck's Corporate Affairs organization and is responsible for the development, advancement, and execution of the company's global communications, public affairs, government relations, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), health equity and philanthropic efforts.

Since joining Merck, Downing has developed and led the implementation of impactful and innovative business and communication strategies designed to protect, defend, and elevate the company's reputation. She and the Corporate Affairs team have executed with speed, urgency, creativity, precision, rigor and excellence, establishing and maintaining strategic control of the company’s clear, cohesive, and compelling narrative. Downing prioritizes the amplification of Merck’s strong legacy of scientific innovation, advancing global health and creating societal value.

Before joining Merck, Downing was vice president of communications & public affairs for Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Medical Devices division, where she fortified and amplified the company’s strategy for conveying how the business elevates the standard of patient care. She also co-led the development and implementation of J&J’s racial and social justice strategy—“Our Race to Health Equity.” Earlier in her career, Downing held several senior communications positions with increasing responsibility at JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and American Express.

Downing's innovation-driven leadership has catalyzed substantial and durable value for Merck stakeholders, enabling business performance, enhancing the company's reputation and generating tangible and measurable outcomes; all of which has resulted in extraordinary external recognition. During her tenure, Merck has been named “America’s Most Responsible Company” by Newsweek; one of the “Top 10 Best-Managed Companies” by the Wall Street Journal; one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" by Fortune magazine; one of the "Most Sustainable U.S. Companies" by Barron's; and recognized on Fortune magazine's "Change the World” list. 

Downing has also received notable industry honors and recognitions for her leadership at Merck, including being named one of PRWeek's 30 Top Healthcare Influencers; Women Inc. magazine's 2022 Most Influential Women Executives in Corporate America; and Savoy magazine's 2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. She is a member of the board of trustees for the Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern New Jersey and is affiliated with numerous prominent communications associations.

Downing received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Monmouth University.