Publicis merges digital agencies into larger group
pharmafile | October 28, 2011 | News story | Medical Communications | Digitas Health, Razorfish, digital, publicis
Digital agencies Digitas Health and Razorfish Health are to be merged into the larger Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG).
PHCG is one of the sector’s biggest healthcare communications network, and says by merging its two largest digital health agencies into the PHCG group, it will reshape services for clients and increase their responsiveness to new social trends and technological innovation.
“This move will create patterns of cross-fertilisation, ensuring that we have the sharpest and best integrated skills on the market,” explained Jean-Yves Naouri, the chief operating officer of Publicis Groupe, who is responsible for overseeing PHCG.
“PHCG is already the world’s largest healthcare communications network, and now with the addition of Digitas Health and Razorfish Health, PHCG will become a global marketing and media network of unmatched capability and scale. Our clients will have access to a seamless, integrated range of services devoid of silos, rich in cutting-edge skills, and strongly anchored in the landscape of the digital future.”
Digitas Health and Razorfish Health will operate as stand-alone brands within PHCG, adding to the roster of its global and regional healthcare agency brands, which includes Saatchi & Saatchi Health, Publicis Life Brands, Publicis Healthware International, Publicis Touchpoint Solutions, and Publicis Medical Education Group. Presidents Michael du Toit and Alexandra von Plato will report directly to PHCG President and Chief Executive Nick Colucci.
Founded in 2006, Digitas Health was named Medical Marketing & Media’s Agency of the Year just three years later. The company also recently won a US advertising award for creating the ‘Pick Your Nose’ campaign for MedImmune’s FluMist flu vaccine.
Razorfish Health was created in 2010 to meet the growing demand of healthcare clients for cutting-edge digital and technology solutions. Both agencies are headquartered in Philadelphia, and have locations in New York, Boston, and London. Among their top clients are AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Shire, Novo Nordisk, and Johnson & Johnson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Digitas Health and Razorfish Health to PHCG,” said Nick Colucci. “Our clients, first and foremost, are the greatest beneficiaries of this move. They will find enhanced global access and innovation, alongside the best healthcare communications talent in the world, within a true network created by the partnership of Digitas Health and Razorfish Health with the other PHCG agencies.”
Laura Lang, global chief executive of Digitas and executive lead of the VivaKi social, mobile and digital agencies said: “I am very proud of the phenomenal success of Digitas Health and Razorfish Health, largely due to their creative core, tenacious leadership and digital heritage. While both agencies will continue to benefit from strong relationships at Digitas and VivaKi, I am confident that these two agencies will continue to thrive and contribute greatly to the future success of PHCG.”
“Our clients are demanding global scale and networked solutions now,” said Michael du Toit. “Joining forces with PHCG will give Digitas Health and Razorfish Health the greatest ability to meet the needs of consumer and professional marketers worldwide.”
Alexandra von Plato added: “Michael and I believe that by partnering with PHCG today we will be able to create more opportunity for our clients, our agencies, and our people in the future.”
Andrew McConaghie
Related Content
Virtual Inspections: Embracing the Digital Change
Virtual inspections must become a part of companies’ repertoires if they aim to maintain quality …
COVID-19 is pushing healthcare firms to embrace digital transformation, reports suggest
The COVID-19 pandemic forced industries across the board to evolve or die with regard to …
Government appoints health minister from firm trying to win NHS contracts
The British Government has come under fire over the appointment of former Tory MP, Nicola …
