Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) announced today the addition of Mark Elliot as its new executive vice president. Elliot will be responsible for leading the GIPC team and its mission to protect and promote the intellectual property (IP) rights that are vital to creating jobs, growing the economy, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness.

"Mark's unique combination of project and people management skills, experience in building support for intellectual property globally, and strong public affairs communications track record will help us build on GIPC's strong track record of success," said David Hirschmann, president and CEO of the GIPC.

Elliot joins GIPC following nine years at Pfizer Inc., where he most recently developed and implemented public affairs strategies across the developed world as Senior Director for International Public Affairs. Prior to moving to New York in 2009, Elliot, a native Australian, served on the Pfizer Australia and New Zealand leadership team and led the public affairs team. In this position, Elliot contributed to Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) Reform negotiations and implementation, Australia/US Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and other various national initiatives that impacted Australia's pharmaceutical industry. Before entering the private sector, Mark held a number of policy and media affairs roles within the Australian Federal Government and the New South Wales State Government.

"Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position given his wide-ranging service in both government and the private sector," added Hirschmann. "Mark will play a pivotal role in leading the GIPC team to address critical challenges facing our innovative and creative industries-focusing on advancing strong IP rules and effective enforcement at home and abroad."

The Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion intellectual property (IP) rights as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.