2013: Bridgette P. Heller

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) announced Bridgette P. Heller as its 2013 Woman of the Year.

"I am extremely honored to be chosen as Woman of the Year by the HBA,” said Ms. Heller. “I greatly admire the organization and the daily contribution its members make in advancing the positive impact of women leaders in our industry. For a great majority of households around the globe, women effectively serve as chief medical officers, so as an industry we must commit to ensuring that these women have the products and services needed to care for the health of their families. I believe women leaders are particularly in tune with the needs of families and are critical players in the industry's quest to better serve them."

“The HBA is extremely proud to honor Bridgette P. Heller as our 2013 Woman of the Year,” says Terri Pascarelli, HBA chair emeritus. “Bridgette's leadership in healthcare, and business success inspire all of us to reach further in our own careers.”

At the time of this award, Bridgette was executive vice president and president of Merck Consumer Care. Before joining Merck in 2010, Ms. Heller was president of Johnson & Johnson's Baby Global Business Unit, and earlier was global president of Johnson & Johnson’s Baby, Kids and Wound Care business unit from 2005-2007. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Bridgette was the founder and managing partner of Heller Associates, providing consumer-centric growth strategies for companies outside of the traditional consumer packaged goods arena. Earlier in her career, Bridgette was CEO of Chung's Gourmet Foods, where she provided hands-on leadership for the second-largest U.S. egg roll manufacturer. Ms. Heller was also with Kraft Foods Inc., for 17 years, where her most recent position was as executive vice president and general manager of the coffee division, which constituted the largest coffee portfolio in the U.S.

“We at Merck applaud and thank HBA for recognizing Bridgette Heller with this prestigious honor,” said Ken Frazier, chairman, president and CEO of Merck. “Bridgette is an inspiring leader who motivates others with her passion and conviction about understanding and meeting the needs of consumers. She has a strong track record leading mature businesses, driving entrepreneurial ventures and supporting diversity, including opportunities for women. Bridgette's values, actions and leadership make her a great representative of HBA and the industry.”

Read the cover story from HBA media partner, Pharm Exec magazine.

Read Bridgett's Woman of the Year speech.

All information in the honoree’s bio is reflective of the time they won the award.