Shapiro+Raj, a leading strategic brand and marketing insights company, announced today that it has hired Gwen Costa as Senior Vice President to lead the organisation‘s West Coast expansion.
Gwen joins the organisation with more than 25 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. After an accomplished career in sales for companies including Merck, AstraZeneca, and Tokos Medical Corporation, she moved into key positions at Baxter, as a global leader of the bioscience marketing division and at Amgen, as director of business analytics, marketing excellence and brand planning.
After years on the client side of the business, Gwen brought her unique perspective to the market research world. In addition to developing the West Coast healthcare practice for Harris Interactive, she most recently served as Senior Vice President for AplusA Bella Falla. There she was responsible for driving growth, building strategic alliances and diversifying their client base.
“The organisation’s model is about connecting research and insights with brand strategy capabilities. Gwen personifies this model. She is a growth-minded research professional who has pharma experience that spans the entire product lifecycle. I cannot think of anyone better to serve our rapidly growing West Coast client base,” said Zain Raj, Chairman and CEO of Shapiro+Raj.
As Senior Vice President, Gwen will be responsible for establishing Shapiro+Raj West Coast operations as well as serving the company’s clientele throughout California.
“The organisation has a strong reputation—particularly in the pharmaceutical industry—for uncovering insights that can solve problems and move businesses forward. As a former marketer on the client side, that’s an exciting story to tell. I look forward to being a part of the team and helping the company grow,” said Gwen.
In addition to Gwen’s professional credentials, she has developed curriculum and taught at the university level. Gwen holds an MS in Neurophysiology from Penn State University and a BS in Health Science, Education and Psychology from Lock Haven University.
