JPA Health Communications appoints head of London office

JPA Health Communications has announced the appointment of Valerie Carter as the new head of its London office.

Ms Carter is a veteran comms professional with more than 22 years of experience in public affairs, advocacy and media relations. She joined the company in 2011 and has been tasked with building a team in London that will offer an improved standard of service to EU clients.

Prior to joining JPA, Ms Carter was vice-president of public affairs at Ricochet PR, where she managed and directed all public affairs accounts and projects, with a focus on the healthcare sector.

She has also previously spent 15 years at Merck Sharp and Dohme, where she led the pharmaceutical company's government affairs comms efforts.

Carrie Jones, principal and managing director of JPA, said: "Her experience serving the European market will help us enhance our global services while building a thriving practice in London."

The London office was opened in May 2013, coinciding with the rebranding of the agency from its previous name of Jones Public Affairs to JPA Health Communications.