Chief Legal Officer

Mr. Edwards is Chief Legal Counsel for Merz Aesthetics and provides legal counsel on global operations and business strategy.

Mr. Edwards is responsible for leading the ongoing operations of the global legal function and for advising management using a solution-oriented approach to address legal challenges and facilitate execution of the company’s business strategy. He collaborates with regional colleagues in providing legal counsel and support for global business development initiatives, including product development, acquisition and licensing arrangements, and ensures alignment of the legal function with global strategies.

Mr. Edwards’ life sciences experience spans over 20 years of serving as in-house counsel. He has extensive and diverse experience across the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including biologics and cosmetic products.

Prior to this role, Mr. Edwards served as Assistant General Counsel at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) where he provided legal counsel on numerous facets of GSK’s commercial business operations, including regulatory compliance, government financed and managed healthcare, FDA regulation of product promotion and development, business planning and risk management. He also served as Director of Public Policy in GSK’s corporate affairs department and was active in legislative advocacy and grass roots initiatives.

Prior to GSK, Mr. Edwards practiced for seven years at Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, LLP, representing hospitals, healthcare systems and healthcare professionals on corporate, regulatory, reimbursement, financing and risk management. Most recently, he was Vice President and General Counsel for Merz North America.