New launch: Ogilvy Digital Health

WPP's Ogilvy Group UK has launched Ogilvy Digital Health, a consultancy that combines the healthcare communications focus of Ogilvy Healthworld UK with the digital aspect of brand activation specialist OgilvyAction.

Ogilvy Digital Health specialises in developing digital communications solutions for the healthcare sector. It will be led by managing partners Caroline Howe and Simon Stebbing.

"Ogilvy Healthworld is well-versed in successfully communicating health messages via a range of platforms, and knows how to navigate the complex regulatory environment of healthcare," said Stebbing.

"OgilvyAction's large digital team has unrivalled experience in activating audiences via social media and digital technologies. Ogilvy Digital Health brings these disciplines and skills together so clients have access to best-in-class health and digital marketing expertise – and all under one roof."

Howe added: "Ogilvy Healthworld has been delivering award-winning digital work for its pharmaceutical clients for some time. Ogilvy Digital Health will further drive and develop the digital healthcare capabilities of clients to reach both consumers and professional audiences. Clients will have ready access to both skill sets, seamlessly."

The move aligns two teams that have already been working closely together with clients including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Lundbeck, Roche and Bayer. To date, Ogilvy Healthworld has carried out strategic and concept work rooted in healthcare knowledge, with OgilvyAction providing the strategy, design and implementation from the digital aspect.

"Digital is becoming an integral part of communication strategies across the board," said Paul O'Donnell, chairman, Ogilvy Group UK. "In healthcare particularly, clients are looking for a partner who not only understands effective communication with both professional and consumer audiences, but who can also navigate a complex regulatory environment. OgilvyAction and Ogilvy Healthworld bring years of knowledge and expertise to Ogilvy Digital Health to strike the right balance between technology and healthcare for clients."

The new agency has full access to Ogilvy Healthworld's PR, medical education, advertising, clinical trials recruitment and digital communications practices as well as the Group's progressive Digital Labs' network, which contains cutting edge technology to help clients develop digital marketing solutions across all online media and channels.