Phyllis Piano has joined biotechnology giant Amgen as VP-corporate communications and philanthropy. She is in charge of PR, internal communications, web messaging, brand management, issues and charitable giving.

Previously, Piano was VP-corporate affairs and communications at $20 billion defense contractor Raytheon. She also served as PA chief at Cooper Industries, and spent 17 years at General Electric, a stint that included heading PR for its fast-growth medical systems unit.

Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Amgen develops therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.