Ruder Finn Expands U.S. Healthcare Practice, Strengthens Digital Innovation and Social Programming with Key Hire of Senior Digital and Social Healthcare Veteran David Brooks

NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruder Finn, a leading independent global creative and communications agency, announced today that David Brooks has joined the firm's U.S. Healthcare Practice as Senior Vice President of Digital and Social Health. Brooks brings 20 years of experience in creating and managing impactful digital and social programs to pharmaceutical, technology and consumer goods companies worldwide. He will be based out of Ruder Finn'sNew York headquarters and report to Sally Ann Barton, Head of the U.S. Healthcare Practice.

Brooks joins Ruder Finn from Ogilvy Public Relations, where he served as SVP, Digital & Social Strategy, supporting B2B, consumer and government-facing clients including Pfizer, Ambry Genetics, SAP, Biotheranostics, IBM and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Prior to Ogilvy PR, Brooks was Director of Digital Strategy at Burson-Marsteller, where his work included social channel development and strategy, desktop and mobile sites, email marketing, product development, online advertising and search marketing for firms in healthcare, CPG, financial services, government and more.

"I've had the pleasure of knowing David for five years and I'm thrilled to have him join our team as we continue to push digital and social boundaries for our clients," said Barton. "David has an amazing ability to stay ahead of tech trends and to develop – and inspire others to develop – programs that bring emotion, technology and learning together in a way that create truly compelling results."

Brooks will be responsible for developing digital, social and content strategies in healthcare and will apply his extensive corporate communications and tech experience to all the firm's clients. In this role, he will build on the success of current client offerings in medical technology, expanding capabilities in biotechnology and life sciences.

"I am thrilled to join a company that nurtures creative ideas and has a long history of pushing boundaries and anticipating 'what's next'," said Brooks. "I look forward to working with world-class clients on creating and implementing digital programs and strategies that help them better connect with patients and other stakeholders in an increasingly complex healthcare environment." 

Brooks' appointment complements the ongoing success of Ruder Finn's Healthcare Group. Earlier in 2016, the agency brought on 20-year veteran Sally Ann Barton as head of the U.S. Healthcare practice, charged with strengthening Ruder Finn's core competencies in emerging areas of the rapidly changing healthcare environment, including multi-channel customer engagement, consumerization of science, connected health and data analytics. The practice has been recognized by numerous 2016 awards programs, including The Holmes Report North American SABRE Awards, multiple Big Apples and the Bulldog Reporter Media Relations Award.

ABOUT RUDER FINN
Ruder Finn, Inc. is one of the world's largest independent global communications and creative agencies with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China. Founded in 1948, Ruder Finn serves the global and local communication needs of over 250 corporations, governments, non-profit organizations and startups. The agency is organized around four strategic pillars that reflect its core areas of expertise: Health & Wellness, Corporate Reputation & Transformation, Technology & Innovation, and Consumer Connections. RFI Studios, the agency's full-service digital practice, leads the industry in designing and developing internal collaboration platforms, building conversations and communities around brands, and staying top-of-mind in the world of mobile applications. Ruder Finn's work, talent and culture have received industry-wide recognition, featuring awards from the Cannes Health Lions, the Clio's, the SABRE Awards, the Big Apples and the PRWeek Awards. In 2016, Bulldog Reporter named Ruder Finn Large and Tech Agency of the Year, and PR News' has listed Ruder Finn as one of the Top Places to Work in PR for three years in a row. For more information, visit www.ruderfinn.com. 

CONTACT:
Katy Kelley
Ruder Finn
646-757-6123
kelleyk@ruderfinn.com

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SOURCE Ruder Finn