Omnicom Health Group launches DDB Health, combining AgencyRx, Flashpoint, Synergy and DDB Health into a single integrated offering
Omnicom Health Group CMO Josh Prince to lead network
NEW YORK, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom Health Group today announced that it is creating DDB Health. The new network combines several US and European professional healthcare agencies to form a dedicated, integrated healthcare network. Building on the group's global depth of medical and healthcare experience—combined with DDB's creative heritage—DDB Health is being founded to help clients use creativity as a force for good health.
According to Ed Wise, CEO of Omnicom Health Group, "DDB's creative heritage is world class. Align this with proven healthcare talent—talent that's helping clients innovate and grow through creativity and technology—and we have something powerful."
The newly formed DDB Health unites AgencyRx and Flashpoint Medica, two award-winning professional Omnicom Health Group agencies, into a US-based unit with offices in New York and San Francisco. In addition, DDB Health brings global scale, marrying the talents of DDB Health Germany, DDB Health Paris, and Synergy, a global medical education offering with offices in London and Philadelphia. DDB Health will also partner with other DDB offerings and agencies worldwide.
Josh Prince has been named CEO.
"Bill Bernbach, one of the founders of DDB, said you have to stand for something. DDB Health will stand for using creative as a force for good health," said Prince. "We have incredible, inventive healthcare people in the agencies we're bringing together. We have a real digital-first outlook, and the work to show for it. We have brave clients that are innovators in their own right, making important, life-changing therapies. Together, we can solve complex problems for doctors, patients, and brands."
Chuck Brymer, CEO of DDB Worldwide, pointed to consumer health as a key area for collaboration. "People everywhere are having their say on health. And we've helped influence that with work like our groundbreaking campaign for HPV vaccination. We're looking forward to partnering with Josh and his team to leverage DDB's consumer expertise across our entire global network."
Prince has tapped Jennie Fischette as President of DDB Health in the US. "Jennie is a proven leader and a great steward of client business and trust," said Prince. "I know this firsthand from working with her several years ago within the Omnicom network." Michael Schreiber will serve as DDB Health's US Executive Creative Director, and Nicole Johnson will serve as Managing Director for DDB Health's San Francisco office. Rounding out this new leadership team will be the talents of CEO Stefanie Dürnberger who will lead DDB Health Germany, and Pascal Douek, Managing Director to head DDB Health Paris as President. Gareth Evans will serve as CEO of Synergy UK, and Barbara Mische as President, Synergy US.
"We have a superb and diverse leadership team," noted Prince, "and I love how it aligns with DDB's 'Talent Has No Gender' mission. Jennie and I—along with our other global leaders—are determined to make this a priority at DDB Health."
In addition to his role as CEO of DDB Health, Prince will also serve as Chief Marketing Officer of Omnicom Health Group. Prince was formerly President of the CDM Group (Cannes Lions Health 2015 Healthcare Network of the Year), where he shaped culture, direction and work for twenty-nine years. He also co-founded HealthWork, an award-winning DTC joint venture between BBDO and CDM. In 2015, Prince was named Industry Person of the Year by Med Ad News, and served as the 2016 Jury President, Health & Wellness, for Cannes Lions Health.
About DDB Health
DDB Health (www.ddbhealth.com), part of the Omnicom Health Group, is a global network of healthcare communications companies dedicated to helping clients use creativity—and creative technology—as a force for good health. Through deep insight into customers, channels, and behavior, DDB Health creates meaningful change on behalf of important healthcare brands.
About Omnicom Health Group
Omnicom Health Group (www.omnicomhealthgroup.com) is a global collective of communications companies with more than 3,200 dedicated healthcare communications specialists. It provides marketing services to the health and life-science industries through a combination of specialized agencies, customized client solutions, and collaborations with other Omnicom network agencies. Organized around four customer groups—healthcare professionals, patients, payers, and medical, evidence and regulatory stakeholders—Omnicom Health Group serves more than 100 clients in over 55 offices worldwide.
About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
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