* News & Events *

JONATHAN WILSON APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF GLOBALHealthPR

Worldwide Health Communications Partnership Welcomes Top Scandinavian Firm, Effector

 

NEW YORK (March 25, 2016) – GLOBALHealthPR today announced Jonathan Wilson has been named president of the largest independent agency partnership worldwide dedicated to health and science communications. GLOBALHealthPR also welcomed Scandinavian firm Effector as the newest member of the partnership, adding its Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm offices to GLOBALHealthPR’s growing presence in 42 countries, spanning five continents.

Word about Wilson’s promotion was first shared with GLOBALHealthPR partner agencies at their annual general meeting in Mumbai in February. John J. Seng, founder and chair of GLOBALHealthPR and founder of Spectrum Science Communications, the U.S. agency partner and owner of the GLOBALHealthPR brand, broke the news to more than 20 partners from 13 different countries during his keynote presentation, to enthusiastic acclaim.  Wilson is also president of Spectrum.

“Jonathan Wilson’s leadership at Spectrum and GLOBALHealthPR over more than two years has led to unprecedented growth for the firm and our global partnership,” Seng said. “This outstanding performance as well as Jonathan’s vision for GLOBALHealthPR as a superior, client-focused alternative to the disconnected holding company network model drives today’s announcement of Jonathan as president.”

Headquartered in New York, with regional hub company offices in London and Singapore, GLOBALHealthPR is a partnership of independently owned and operated health and science communications agencies that choose to work together based on common values. With more than 600 health-specialist communications professionals and more than 20 PhDs, researchers and medical advisors on staff, the agencies that make up the partnership share a belief in insights-driven strategies and a commitment to collaboration in order to provide clients the best possible counsel and execution.
“The strength of this unique partnership of global health communications agencies was a huge factor in my decision to join the Spectrum team a number of years ago,” Wilson said. “As an independent network of best-in-class agencies we have deep relationships that lead to true collaboration, fueling strong local insights and seamless execution across borders. Adding Effector and its talented team to GLOBALHealthPR opens more opportunities for collaboration and business growth for all of our partners, and I’m thrilled to welcome them on board.”

Effector is specialized in healthcare communications and brings more than 16 years expertise, primarily serving the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The agency was founded by Managing Director Elisabeth Tissot Ludvig, and is the preferred healthcare agency in Denmark to more than 20 pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

Effector shares GLOBALHealthPR partners’ passion for healthcare communications and superior client service.

“We are delighted to join GLOBALHealthPR. Scandinavia is home to some of the most successful healthcare companies, each with a strong tradition of developing medicines and devices that improve people’s lives all over the world,” Tissot Ludvig said “We look forward to offering our clients enhanced international capabilities through the GLOBALHealthPR partnership and, at the same time, providing key insights and expertise to new clients who are entering Scandinavia.”

“The addition of Effector to the GLOBALHealthPR partnership of independent firms further strengthens our ability to offer international-scale health and life science clients the best and broadest reach in expertise and insights,” said Seng. “Elisabeth Tissot Ludvig and her team really rise above in Scandinavia, putting clients first. We’re privileged to welcome Effector to our like-minded partnership.”

 

About GLOBALHealthPR

GLOBALHealthPR, founded in 2001 by Chair John Seng, consists of leading, health-focused, independent public relations agencies in 42 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and Vietnam. GLOBALHealthPR is headquartered in New York at Spectrum Science Communications. For more information, visit www.globalhealthpr.com or follow us on Twitter: @GLOBALHealthPR.

 

About Effector

Effector is a pan-Scandinavian communications agency, specialized in healthcare. Effector works for more than 20 companies within the pharmaceutical and medical device sector offering range of services from market access to public affairs and communication. We are driven by our passion for ensuring patients access to some of the best healthcare systems in the world. For more information, visit www.effectorcommunications.com.

 

Media contact:
GLOBALHealthPR
Timothy Goddard
(212) 468-5372
tgoddard@globalhealthpr.com

Effector
Elisabeth Tissot Ludvig
+45 24695403
etl@effector.dk

 

This week, I’ll board a flight on my way from GLOBALHealthPR’s headquarters in New York to visit our partner agency MediaMedic in Mumbai. I’m eager to explore the colorful streets of Mumbai and experience the unique culture, cuisine and customs of India. But most importantly, my anticipation and excitement could not be greater for GLOBALHealthPR’s Annual General Meeting, which starts on Wednesday. Our theme is, “Be the Change, Chart our Future.” It’s a gathering of the world’s top independent healthcare PR agencies and an opportunity to focus on how to better work together, who wouldn’t be excited.

In a time of increased consolidation, both within the agency world and from a procurement perspective, GLOBALHealthPR is evolving the concept of a global network. We’re taking the best aspects of cross-border collaboration while stripping out the bureaucracy and barriers of the traditional PR holding company model. This approach is not novel — 2016 marks GLOBALHealthPR’s 15^th anniversary — however, in recent years we’ve seen a marked shift among potential clients from a “bigger is better” mindset to a true appreciation for independence.

For three days from 17-19 February I’ll be joined in Mumbai by nearly 25 healthcare and science communications professionals who are all GLOBALHealthPR partners. Many are founders and principals of top agencies in their countries. All are brilliant strategists, great leaders and, most importantly, good people. We’ll discuss common challenges we face as independent agencies, industry trends that are shaping the way we, as communicators work, and how we can continue to set the standard for healthcare public relations globally.

While we’re there for work, it’s the time spent together that will define our memories and fuel future success. Last year’s pub dinner in London with attendees singing, laughing and toasting to years of friendship stands out in my mind. Others, who have been with GLOBALHealthPR longer than I have, speak fondly of late-night karaoke at the 2008 AGM in Tokyo, didgeridoo performances in Sydney during the 2014 AGM and visiting in the Newseum in Washington, DC. These moments form relationships and trust, both of which are critical to collaboration. The connections ensure that when the phone rings and an opportunity with a new or existing client presents itself, you can be confident that the global, regional and local market work will be addressed immediately and effectively.

It’s hard to predict what moment during the 2016 AGM will help further forge friendships and strengthen our unique global model, but I guarantee that somewhere amidst the sights, smells and sounds of Mumbai each GLOBALHealthPR partner will be reminded why We Work. Together.

Interested in following the action? Follow us on Twitter using #GHPR16 and watch the GHPR AGM Facebook page for all the updates.

The Zika virus has been all over worldwide news recently, with U.S. researchers urging the World Health Organisation (WHO) to take action against the virus. Transmitted by the mosquito Aedes albopictus, Zika has been linked to thousands of birth defects in Brazil, and continues to spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.¹ But what about the effect of Zika outside the Americas? Out partners at VIVA! shared their thoughts on the potential for the virus to spread to Australia.

What about Australia?

There is genuine potential for the Zika virus to spread to Australia through travellers returning from the Americas. Fortunately, however, there is a plan of action should the outbreak occur here. Dr Cameron Webb, a clinical lecturer at the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research at the University of Sydney said, “If there was an outbreak, local health authorities would try to kill the mosquitoes and their eggs in the affected area quickly, while infected people would be isolated to limit the spread of their blood by other mosquitoes.”²

Dr Webb noted the Brazil outbreak highlighted the importance of Australia’s efforts to keep exotic mosquitoes out of the country, particularly Aedes albopictus or the Asian tiger mosquito, which is also capable of transmitting Zika.² As the climate changes and becomes warmer, there is greater potential for the Asian tiger mosquito to establish itself in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Associate Professor Nigel Beebe from the University of Queensland has recently been quoted as saying “to prevent this species and others from entering Australia, there were traps designed to catch them within 400 metres of every Australian port.” When foreign species are caught in these traps, scientists are typically able to examine the species and their eggs, and determine their origin.² Scientists can then use this information to inform health, agriculture and travel authorities ²

The Department of Foreign Trade and Affairs is advising pregnant women to avoid travel in areas where Zika is active. The Federal Government is also requesting Australian doctors to look out for signs of Zika infection in travellers returning from affected areas. A government spokeswoman said Australian laboratories could diagnose the virus if required. Sydney Morning Herald, January 29, 2016.² 

What actions are being taken in your country to protect against Zika? Post a comment or tweet at us to let us know.

Want a more in depth analysis of the Zika situation in Australia? Take a look at the VIVA! blog.

References

1. Caught off-guard by Zika, Brazil struggles with deformed babies. Reuters, 28, January, 2016. Available at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-brazil-idUSKCN0V52F4
2. Australia, the Zika virus and why we need to keep exotic mosquitoes out. The Sydney Morning Herald, 29, January, 2016. Available at: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/zika-virus-set-to-reach-australia-but-can-be-contained-swiftly-say-experts-20160129-gmgydw.html

‘Tis the Season to Give…and Give Back

This time of the year, people around the world are connected by the common thread of gift giving. Though our countries, religions and cultures have unique traditions and celebrations, we are united in the spirit of sharing. This holiday season, we invite you to experience some of our favourite global traditions, brought to you with the insights of GLOBALHealthPR partners worldwide!

 

United Kingdom

In the UK, gifts are traditionally delivered by Father Christmas overnight on Christmas Eve. We hang up stockings near the fireplace so when Father Christmas comes down the chimney he can fill our stockings with presents. We also leave a sherry and mince pie for him, and a carrot for his reindeer. Christmas Day is about giving and receiving presents from friends and family and eating as much food as is humanly possible, followed by the Queen’s speech and a snooze.

Neil Crump: Aurora Communications

 

Singapore

In Singapore, only those who celebrate Christmas will exchange gifts with each other during the Holidays. For Chinese New Year, Ang Pows, red packets containing cash, are the traditional gift of choice. We give them to children, the elderly and the unmarried. You have to make sure the cash in in Ang Pow adds up to an even number like $4, $8 or $10 for good luck.

 Patsy Phay: Mileage

 

Spain

In Spain our most popular giving tradition is about the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) who came from the East to visit Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  We receive gifts from the Three Wise Men on the 6^th of January. However, if you have not been good the past year, you receive coal instead of a present. In every house we prepare some food and traditional sweets for the Wise Men, and the kids leave out potatoes, bread and water for their camels.

Juan Luis Recio Diaz: Berbés Asociados

 

Poland

 

We celebrate the big day on the 24^th of December. Families come together for a big feast that starts when the first stars begin to show. When the children are not paying attention, someone will vanish from the house to dress up as Santa. ‘Santa’ rings a bell to announce his arrival with presents and then hands gifts out to everybody, in exchange for the singing of a song. ‘Santa’ is of course invited for the feast and some vodka. For many years on, kids remember how they either: Did not recognise Santa was their favourite uncle; or recognised their uncle by his old shoes.

Andrzej Kropiwnicki: Alfa Communications  

 

Portugal

In Portugal one of our oldest Christmas giving traditions is to burn a stump on night of the 24^th. Some people do this in the privacy of their homes with family, while public churchyards host big bonfires for the whole community. Everyone gathers around the fire and sings traditional Portuguese songs while waiting for the children to go to sleep, and the arrival of Father Christmas with their gifts.

Jorge Azevedo: Guess What

 

Mexico

What makes our giving tradition Mexican is the piñata. Piñatas are filled with candy and small gifts, and we take turns trying to break them open with a bat or broom stick while blindfolded. When someone finally cracks a piñata open, the candy and presents fall to the floor and the kids launch themselves to the ground trying to grab as many sweets and presents as possible. Though piñatas are often present at birthday parties, the tradition is most strongly associated with Christmas.

Paola de La Barreda and Nallely Moreno: PRP

 

Argentina

 

In Argentina we open gifts on December 24^th, precisely at 12:00 a.m. along with a family toast. Everybody shares a good panettone (a sweetbread with dried fruit), and we throw firecrackers in celebration. The children also receive gifts on January 6^th, from the Three Wise Men. The kids leave their shoes outside the night of the 5^th, with some water and grass for the Wise Men’s camels, and wake up to find presents left by their shoes. At the same time as Christmas we start our summer and school vacations, so common gifts for kids include toys for the beach or the swimming pool.

Eugenia de la Fuente: Paradigma

 

India

In India, we love giving celebrations. All religious festivals are celebrated here, but the most common one is Diwali. The key ingredients for any celebration of Diwali are a lot of lights, yummy food, goodies and gifts to give to each other. We host family gatherings and friends come and visit to share sweets and dry fruits, as well as seasonal specialties depending on the region. And of course, the celebration is not complete without fireworks to light up the night sky.

Priti Mohile: MediaMedic

 

Germany

 

Our best-known giving tradition is that our children, and of course well-behaved grownups, put their polished shoes in front of the door on the eve of December 6^th. Later that night, St. Nicolas arrives to fill the shoes with candy and small gifts. The next morning we decorate the Christmas tree and go to church. After church, we celebrate Christmas with family, sharing gifts, music and a traditional Christmas dinner. Favourite menu items include trout or another fish, potato salad and sausages or duck.

Tina Winter: fischerAppelt

 

United States

Some American families open just one gift on Christmas Eve, and everybody knows what’s in the box – Christmas pajamas! This gets everyone ready for bed and looking spiffy for Christmas morning. That night, after the kids have gone to sleep, Santa Claus sneaks down the chimney and leaves presents under the tree for the good boys and girls. In the morning everyone meets up at the tree, looking fly in our Christmas PJ’s, and shares gifts with friends and family.

Mary Ellen Hackett: Spectrum

 

We hope you enjoyed learning about how we celebrate the giving season.

Best wishes, and have the happiest of holidays from GLOBALHealthPR!

 

 

 

 

Images:

United Kingdom: Brent Flanders via flickr.com

Singapore: Cheon Fong Liew via flickr.com

Spain: Amira A via flickr.com

Poland: KCRA.com

Portugal: Brian Colson via flickr.com

Mexico: Diógene via flickr.com

Argentina: NicolEttone via flickr.com

India: gags9999 via flickr.com

Germany: David Wolfe

United States: EvilErin via flickr.com

 

 

 

 

 

We are very happy to announce that our US Partner and Global hub, Spectrum, has officially opened their new Atlanta office. The new location is in the recently opened Ponce City Market, in the historic Sears and Roebuck building. The SpectrumATL office is strategically positioned in an emerging biotechnology hotspot nearby companies and institutions such as Coca-Cola, the American Cancer Society, Emory University and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new office will be headed by Spectrum Senior Vice President and Partner Amanda Sellers, a Georgia native. The new office opens up many new opportunities, and an entirely new talent market. “We know talented teams draw dynamic clients, and Spectrum is thrilled to be able to tap into this vibrant scientific community,” Sellers said.

Strategic hires, expanded offerings and a commitment to client service have fueled Spectrum’s growth over the past two years, and led to the opening of their New York City office in March.  The Atlanta office will reflect the “One Spectrum” ideology that drives the agency’s culture, bringing together the best in marketing communications talent and expertise regardless of geography to deliver the best thinking for clients.

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the USA as part of the great GLOBALHealthPR Exchange Program. After learning all about Spectrum’s work and the American health PR market, I can say that although there is an ocean between the US and Portugal and we speak different languages, the work we do is pretty similar.

There are many aspects that both Spectrum and Guess What have in common. The context may differ but the challenges are the same. It’s almost like working at the ER. The pace is fast, the requests are urgent, the demand is constant. We live in an increasingly globalized world that spins at the frenetic pace of social networks where you can share information instantly, so it’s natural that this happens. The clients of both companies are also similar: mostly multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, and consumer-goods brands.

The main differences are essentially social and cultural, or related to market dimensions. The US market is more aggressive, and the work has to be conducted with a level of detail that is not demanded by the Portuguese market. The workday also has very few breaks; in Portugal we are passionate about our lunch break! In Portugal, Facebook is king and lord of all social networks, but in the US the most popular social network is Twitter. In the US, the relationships between PR professionals and journalists are often distant and directed by strict ethical guidelines.

 

Our American colleagues were very surprised to learn that in Portugal it is relatively normal for journalists and PR professionals to address each other through their Facebook pages, social networks that the Americans keep more personal. And we Portuguese were impressed by the interaction with and monitoring of patient blogs, where patients write about their illnesses and treatments, which is still  uncommon in the Portuguese market.

 

On the other hand, the characteristics of the Portuguese market allow us to work in a far more “out of the box” way. Indeed, the economic crisis has forced us to be even more original and effective with smaller budgets because “necessity is the mother of invention”.

 

Given these differences and these similarities, we can say that the GHPR partnership not only makes sense but it is the model of the future for PR and communications. As time goes by, we will have to work more and more with and for other markets, and we will always need the experience of those who work and live in these markets.  Communication lives out of social and cultural contexts that we can only know well when we live within them.

 

Furthermore, it was a great privilege to be part of the GHPR exchange program. It’s an excellent way of meeting a new professional reality, new people, and a new country. And I’m really grateful to all the Spectrum team in Washington that went far beyond my best expectations to make me feel welcome.

 

Susana Viana is Senior Communication Consultant at GLOBALHealthPR Portugal Partner, Guess What. Her account is based on an original article that appeared in Portugal’s Meios e Publicidade.