Edelman names new public policy head

Edelman has selected Kajsa Wilhelmsson as the new director of its European health public affairs division.

Ms Wilhelmsson joins the healthcare communications agency following an extensive career in the fields of pharmaceuticals and public relations, having previously occupied roles at Health Consumer Powerhouse and Baxter.

In her new position, she will head up the firm’s public policy activities and deal with major pharmaceutical industry clients including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Merck Sharpe and Dohme.

Commenting on her own appointment, Ms Wilhelmsson expressed confidence that she will be able to contribute further competence to an “enviably robust communications offering”.

Edelman European health practice chair Carolyn Paul added: “Having seasoned practitioners like Kajsa who can deliver insightful, credible and dependable counsel to even our most experienced clients is one of the factors that sets Edelman apart.”

The agency’s healthcare practice was reorganised in December 2009 with the launch of a specialist editorial team, which is being overseen by Ross Williams.