Ashfield appoints Novo’s sales and marketing director
Pierre Van Weperen (pictured above) has joined Ashfield as its commercial and patient solutions managing director for the UK.
Van Weperen was most recently at diabetes giant Novo Nordisk, where he worked on delivering insulin and GLP1 biosimilar defence strategies, leading Novo’s UK diabetes team.
He has also served as the executive director for primary care, general medicine at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).
Nigel Mansford, Regional President for Ashfield Clinical and Commercial Europe and Canada, said: “Pierre is a charismatic and people-focused leader who will bring drive, energy and innovation to the role.
“He brings to us a rare blend of pharmaceutical sales and marketing expertise as well as services sector understanding. Pierre’s insight and knowledge of our market place will be invaluable as he guides future direction for the UK business.”
Van Weperen will be part of the Europe and Canada Management Team and will have responsibility for Ashfield’s Commercial and Patient Solutions operations in the UK.
He said: “My ambition is to make a real difference at every organisation I join, and my role will allow me to improve outcomes for patients and companies alike while guiding the business strategically.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining Ashfield and look forward to working with the amazing individuals and teams in the business.”
Jon Watson joins Health Unlimited
Health consultancy and communications agency Health Unlimited has welcomed Jon Watson as its creative lead, offering more creativity to its clients.
Watson also joins the Health board to further build the global creative capabilities and integrated offer.
He brings over 25 years’ experience to the role, and will be based out of the London office reporting to global chief executive Tim Bird, who describes Watson as a “well-known senior creative talent in the industry”.
He added: “We are delighted to welcome him and his enormous talent to our global team that is working collaboratively as one team to inspire and create imaginative solutions to solving complex health challenges. He brings with him an impressive resume and proven track record of success.”
Having worked in advertising and communications across Europe and the US, Watson’s career has had a particular focus on the healthcare sector in previous roles at Oglivy Healthworld and Publicis LifeBrands.
He began his career with a seven-year stint at WCRS/dma.
This appointment follows other recent senior appointments of Ann Bartling as PR Practice Lead and Per Hedman as Director of Digital Engagement.
Ashley Communications appoints managing director
Medical Communications agency Ashley Communications has appointed Cath Lavery (pictured above) as its new managing director.
Lavery has been active in healthcare communications for over 17 years, having spend the past seven years in senior positions at Succinct Communications, now part of Open Health LLP.
Prior to this she has worked with agencies including Resolute and OCC Europe.
Commenting on the appointment, Chrissie Ashley, Founder and Chairman of Ashley Communications said, “We are delighted to welcome Cath to the senior management team, where she will bring an added strategic perspective and help drive the business forward in today’s ever changing marketplace”.