In-House Team of the Year

Sponsored by

Finalist

Compass Pathways Global Comms Team

Summary of work

Millions of people live with mental illnesses for which there are few good options. [Compass](https://ir.compasspathways.com/) is determined to change that. Our first major initiative is developing an investigational new treatment through a global phase 3 programme for people living with treatment-resistant depression. In 2023, we needed to ensure this programme progressed as planned. To do this, Compass was seeking significant investment, while continuing to prepare markets and educate stakeholders ahead of future data announcements and eventual launches. In 2023, Communication played a critical role:
  • Repositioned the Company’s brand away from being a ‘psychedelic start-up’; to reflect biotech ambitions.
  • Increased top-tier finance/business media attention (incl. the US) in a year with relatively few data announcements; to keep Compass in the investor eye.
  • Built the new CEO’s personal profile; to generate further confidence in the business.
  • United internal teams behind our purpose and values.
By collaborating with other Compass business units, Communications surpassed all 2023 ‘output’ and ‘outcome’ targets, helping educate/inform target stakeholders and generate true business impact: Compass secured the largest cash injection the industry had seen for years, propelling us towards our goal of reducing mental health suffering, at scale. A pivotal year.

Judges’ comments

The Compass Global Comms Team is seeking to address an area of unmet need and is making use of a great investment to achieve this. It identified exactly why data did not land well and, importantly, knew exactly how to address this. An impressive team dedicated to not only helping others, but also themselves.