Burson-Marsteller appoints healthcare chair

Burson-Marsteller has appointed former employee Helene Ellison as the global chair of its healthcare practice.

Ms Ellison is a 30-year pharmaceutical communications industry veteran who has personal experience of launching more than 30 brands for clients such as GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, Roche and Boehringer Ingelheim.

Her new role will see her take responsibility for the management of a global practice which encompasses all regions in which Burson-Marsteller operates

Mark Penn, worldwide president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Burson-Marsteller, welcomed Ms Ellison back to the company and expressed confidence that her proven abilities will be an asset to the firm.

He said: “We know that with her leadership we will continue providing our clients with best-in-class healthcare communication programs.”

The firm has made a number of executive appointments in the last two months, including the selection of former Labour Party general secretary Matt Carter as CEO of its UK branch in January.