Publicis Healthcare names global business development head

Publicis Healthcare Communications Group has announced the promotion of veteran employee Rick Keefer to the role of global chief business development officer.

Mr Keefer, who has been with the organisation for more than eight years, will lead global business development for the network. He most recently served as president and chief executive of Publicis Touchpoint Solutions.

This unit has experienced a tenfold growth increase under his leadership, earning him this latest promotion. Michelle Keefe will take over his former role in charge of the Publicis Touchpoint Solutions division.

Mr Keefer has been named as one of the 100 most inspiring people in the life sciences industry for seven consecutive years by PharmaVOICE, a leading industry publication.

Nick Colucci, president and chief executive officer of Publicis Healthcare, said: "He has built deep, authentic relationships with many of pharma's leading players and we look forward to having him pursue business development on a larger scale on behalf of the network."

Employing more than 5,500 people worldwide, Publicis Healthcare manages 12 agency brands across 70 offices, including Saatchi and Saatchi Health, Digitas Health LifeBrands, Publicis Life Brands and Razorfish Healthware.