Publicis revamps messaging group

In an effort to consolidate its messaging group, Publicis Healthcare Communications Group will form a new messaging group that will be helmed by Rick Keefer.

Publicis Healthcare Communications Messaging Group will align the group’s messaging companies; Publicis Selling Solutions, Scientific Voice, Pharmagistics, and Arista Marketing Associates—under one strategic group. 

According to company officials, the establishment of this new organization will allow Publicis Healthcare Communications Group to provide a full spectrum of multi-channel messaging solutions to virtually all of biopharma’s key customers. 

Keefer, an industry veteran who has held sales leadership roles at Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and Pharmacia, will be responsible for the overall leadership of the Group. Keefer joined Publicis Groupe in 2006 as chief operating officer, Publicis Selling Solutions, and in 2008 was promoted to president and chief executive officer.

Laura Lynner, managing director, Scientific Voice; Roseanne Branciforte, managing director, Pharmagistics; and Christine Student, managing director, Arista, will all be reporting to Keefer. 

Nick Colucci, president and CEO of Publicis Healthcare Communications Group, said that aligning the messaging divisions under the central leadership of Keefer will help the company to uniquely provide its healthcare clients with comprehensive, multi-channel messaging solutions for all of their key customers. 

Colucci noted that clients are increasingly looking for new and innovative ways to reach their customers more effectively and efficiently and that the new Messaging Group will allow Publicis to provide strategically integrated solutions and synergies to its clients. Colucci said that Keefer has lead Publicis Selling Solutions to new heights and that he will bring his significant expertise and leadership to this new group.