---

← Back to all posts

Rational 360 Appoints Former AstraZeneca Head of Communications & Government Relations Richard Buckley as Managing Director

Press Release • March 29, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WASHINGTON, DC (March 29, 2023) – Rational 360, a leading full-service strategic communications and digital agency, today announced the addition of Richard Buckley, former Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at AstraZeneca, as Managing Director. Prior to joining Rational 360, Buckley held senior roles leading high-impact corporate teams at EQRx and AstraZeneca, where his portfolio included global policy and government affairs, external, internal, product and digital communications, patient advocacy, philanthropy, crisis and issues management, and corporate brand management and reputation. 

“Our leading corporate communications and public affairs practices will be bolstered by Rich’s senior-level experience in global communications, government relations, and corporate reputation management,” said Patrick Dorton, CEO, and Managing Director at Rational 360. “Rich has a strong reputation for delivering results through integrated and innovative campaigns that drive business success, create competitive advantage, and strengthen corporate reputation and brand. His experience and business acumen in the highly regulated and highly scrutinized bio-pharmaceutical industry will be invaluable to our clients across sectors and geographies who face complex multi-stakeholder challenges.”  

“I joined Rational 360 because of its differentiated position as an agency that favors impact over activity to produce big wins for their clients,” said Buckley. “I’m proud to join this highly effective and well-regarded bipartisan team, powered by state-of-the-art communications and digital capabilities.” 

Buckley honed his expertise during more than 25 years of global government affairs and corporate communications experience within the pharmaceutical industry, including 17 years at AstraZeneca where he most recently served as Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs and President of the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation.  

Recently Buckley was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at EQRx where he built an integrated team to support their go-public launch and other key milestones for the “disruptive” biotech startup. Previously, he was Director of Federal Government Affairs at Eli Lilly & Company, Legislative Counsel at PhRMA, and an assistant parliamentarian in the United States Senate. Buckley received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and holds a J.D. from American University and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.  

About Rational 360 

Rational 360 is a leading full-service strategic communications and digital agency, with offices and staff located across the country. From public relations and public affairs to crisis communications and new media strategy, Rational 360’s experienced team takes an innovative, active approach to advancing mission-critical goals for clients. Rational 360’s integrated campaign approach executes earned and digital strategies communications strategies with the same urgency, speed, and emphasis on outcomes as high-stakes political campaigns.