A changing of the guard at Edelman saw Kym White move up to global practice chair for health. White succeeds Nancy Turett, who will transition to chief strategist, health and society after two decades at the helm of the shop’s healthcare practice.

White joined Edelman as global vice chair for health last spring following a 16-year stint at Ogilvy PR, where she led the global health practice and then the New York office. She reports to Alan VanderMolen, president and CEO, global practices and diversified insights businesses.

“We want to accelerate the growth and diversification of our business in health and related societal issues,” said VanderMolen. “Health has never been more important to the growth of mature and emerging economies as it is today. There’s a real opportunity for companies to lead and Kym will ensure we have the right offering provided by the right people in the right geographies.”

Susan Isenberg will take over as global vice chair for health in White’s stead. Isenberg, an 18-year Edelman employee who led the New York health group from 2002-2010, was managing director, brand and product marketing for the health and consumer division in New York. She will also serve as chair, health, the Americas, tasked with ensuring the continued globalization and diversification of the health practice, with a focus on the Americas.

“Health is a global issue as well as a global business,” said Isenberg. “Health-related companies and organizations need fully integrated multi-channel communication solutions to meet their stakeholders’ expectations.”

In her new role, Turett will focus on senior client relationships and business development.