Two New Appointments Empower Red Havas

Leading PR, social and brand experience agency Red Havas has strengthened its growing healthcare PR and strategic communications offering with two key appointments. Kelly Smith has taken the role of Ethical Health Director and will focus on continuing to elevate excellence in the agency’s growing integrated digital and social work and Natalie Karaminas has joined as Account Director, Health and Social.

Kelly will lead ethical pharmaceutical accounts, including Novartis and UCB Australia, reporting to Sue Cook, Managing Partner Health & Wellness, and joins the health leadership team of Sue and Nicole Phillips, Client Services Director.  Kelly has more than 10 years’ experience working with organisations and stakeholders across the health sector, including pharmaceutical companies, patient advocacy groups, professional societies and government bodies.

“We see continued opportunity to partner with our clients in the health and pharmaceutical sector, particularly when it comes to managing strategic and authentic communications that amplify our consumer partners voice, whilst leveraging social, digital and media channels effectively,” said Kelly. 

"Applying our pioneering Red Havas methodology and learnings we build confidence in the digital and social arena for our clients, as well as creating authentic conversations with our content partners - whether they be connectors, influencers or Australians living with health conditions that are keen to share their experience.” 

Karaminas has transferred within the group from the UK, a great example of the network enabling professional development and growth. Across the global Red Havas network more than ten company transfers have taken place in the past few years involving Australian team members. 

Natalie has a wealth of consumer health, pharmaceutical PR, social media, and creative communications experience across disease areas including diabetes, rosacea and cardiovascular and has been championing influencer and social media integration with pharma sector clients. She led on Rosacea: Beyond the Visible, the first and only pharma-led disease awareness social media and influencer-led campaign in this therapy area, recognised by the PM Society, winning Gold for ‘Effectiveness in Building Digital Communities’ at the PM Digital Awards 2021. 

Visiting Australia, global CEO of Red Havas and global chairman of the Havas PR Global Collective, James Wright commented: “Never has health and healthcare been more important and high profile with governments, businesses, and our communities. We are living in the health age. Since the pandemic began pharmaceutical brands have become household brands, we have seen transformation in health systems and how we approach drug development.  With the elevation of health comes a lot of misinformation and disinformation. We need to be where these discussions are across social and digital platforms to help our clients drive accurate and positive conversations.”

“We have really expanded our offering and work this year partnering with our colleagues in social, experiential and corporate/public affairs and look forward to what we can achieve in 2023,” said managing partner health & wellness Red Havas, Sue Cook.

James added, “We are seeing brands across all types of industries and sectors pivoting into health. From sports brands to big tech, the transport industry to Government, health is a critical topic in boardrooms everywhere.”

Red Havas operates in 14 markets, with 24 offices and of its 450 staff, 150 are working in health and wellness reflecting the increasing demand for healthcare services and expertise from clients.