Porter Novelli appoints new global director of health

Porter Novelli has announced the appointment of Susan Hayes as its new global director of health.

Ms Hayes takes up the role at the marketing agency following a career spanning more than 20 years, during which she has worked in fields such as HIV, infectious disease, vaccines and oncology for companies such as Ogilvy and Mather.

She has been appointed as the successor to Barbara DeBuono, who has left the company to take a leadership position with a not-for-profit group in the US.

Ms Hayes will report directly to global president for clients Julie Winskie, who praised the new director's work in helping Porter Novelli to rebuild its global healthcare capabilities.

"As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it's critical that our global offering be steered by a leader who knows what healthcare clients need now and in the future," she added.

In February 2011, PRWeek reported that the agency's UK division hired two new directors to take up roles in charge of its digital operations and consumer practice.