Harry and Rita Sweeney, the couple who founded medical communications firm Dorland Global 35 years ago, will leave their executive positions as of January 1st, 2008, the agency announced yesterday. Assuming the role of CEO and president will be Rich
Minoff, a five-year veteran who helped orchestrate the
$20.7-million sale of Dorland
to Huntsworth PLC earlier this year.
The 125-person agency maintains two
business units, advertising and PR. Clients include Johnson & Johnson,
Roche and Boston Scientific.
“Harry and I are confident that [Minoff]
will not only continue to service our clients and employees in the manner that
Dorland Global is known for, but will also take the agency in a new direction
with the Huntsworth organization,” said Rita Sweeney,
who had served as president, chief operating officer. The COO position will be
eliminated. Her husband is stepping down as CEO.
Minoff joined the agency in 2002
as president of Dorland Global Health Communications, a branding and marketing division
which has grown 47% per year under his watch. In addition, he has 14 years of senior
managerial experience at various agencies, along with 12 years on the client
side working for GlaxoSmithKline and Wyeth.
Thanks to the March purchase, Dorland Global's two main business
units, Dorland Global Health Communications and Dorland Global Public Relations,
now serve as the US affiliate of the UK-based Huntsworth health division.