Porter Novelli appoints new chief medical officer

Porter Novelli has recruited a new chief medical officer, it has revealed.

Barbara DeBuono will take up the post and report to the company’s chief client officer Julie Winskie.

Ms DeBuono has previously worked as executive director of public health and government for Pfizer, where she was responsible for creating and managing public-private partnership programmes in public health innovation, health policy, education and research.

Prior to her position with Pfizer, the executive also held posts at the Presbyterian Healthcare System and is currently also a professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.

"Barbara is a renowned expert in public health and health literacy and will bring a critical perspective to our clients by helping them assess the impact that health and medical issues have on their businesses," Ms Winskie explained.

Earlier this month, the firm revealed that it is currently looking for a new UK managing director after former head Jean Wyllie resigned her position to make way for another candidate, PR Week reported.