Philips executive news: Philips Appoints Steve Heywood as Global Head of Communications

Philips executive news: Steve Heywood named SVP and global head of communications after leading the function on an interim basis. The Silicon Review reports on the appointment as AI reshapes healthcare communications.

Philips has appointed Steve Heywood as senior vice president and global head of communications, elevating the former Edelman executive to lead the healthcare technology company's reputation management across investor, regulatory, clinical, and internal audiences.

The Philips executive news comes as the Dutch health technology giant transitions into a post-restructuring phase focused on AI-driven healthcare innovation. Heywood joined Philips in May 2024 as vice president and head of external relations and has been leading the communications function on an interim basis before securing the permanent role.

Heywood brings extensive agency and in-house experience to the position. Before joining Philips, he spent nearly a decade at Edelman, most recently as general manager of the firm's Netherlands operations. He previously served as head of corporate communications for eBay in London and held roles at Weber Shandwick and McDonald’s.

In a LinkedIn post announcing his appointment, Heywood said communications connects strategy, innovation and impact to strengthen trust and stakeholder confidence, ultimately supporting business performance. He noted that it is a fascinating moment to do this work as AI reshapes how we produce, discover and consume content.

The appointment follows Philips' Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on May 8, 2026, where shareholders approved the reappointment of CEO Roy Jakobs and all supervisory board proposals. The company has been restructuring around AI-driven healthcare technology, with workforce reductions implemented but employee engagement scores rising.

Philips is a leading health technology company focused on diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as personal health solutions. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands and trades on the NYSE and Euronext Amsterdam under the symbol PHG.

As Philips appoints Steve Heywood as global head of communications, The Silicon Review examines how healthcare companies are elevating communications to the C-suite as AI transforms how patients discover, evaluate, and trust medical technology brands.

Q: Who is Steve Heywood and what is his new role at Philips?
A: Steve Heywood has been appointed senior vice president and global head of communications at Philips. He joined the company in May 2024 as vice president and head of external relations and had been leading the communications function on an interim basis.

Q: What experience does Steve Heywood bring to Philips?
A: Heywood spent nearly a decade at Edelman, most recently as general manager of the firm's Netherlands operations. He previously served as head of corporate communications for eBay in London and held roles at Weber Shandwick and McDonald's.

Q: Why is this Philips executive news significant for the healthcare industry?
A: The appointment comes as healthcare companies elevate communications to the C-suite because AI is reshaping how patients discover, evaluate, and trust medical technology brands. Heywood noted that AI is transforming how we produce, discover and consume content.

Q: What other leadership changes were approved at Philips' recent AGM?
A: At the May 8, 2026 AGM, shareholders approved the reappointment of Roy Jakobs as President and CEO, the appointment of John DeFord as a new supervisory board member, and the re-appointment of Paul Stoffels, Herna Verhagen and Sanjay Poonen as supervisory board members.

Q: What is Heywood's view on the role of communications at Philips?
A: Heywood said communications connects strategy, innovation and impact to strengthen trust and stakeholder confidence, ultimately supporting business performance. He noted that AI is making the work particularly fascinating.

Q: Where is Philips headquartered and what are its main business areas?
A: Philips is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as personal health solutions.