Publicis Health appoints new CEO and chief growth officer

Publicis Health promoted Alexandra von Plato to the role of CEO and Michael du Toit was named chief growth officer.

Previously global group president for Publicis Health’s worldwide communications and media agencies, von Plato is now responsible for leading all Publicis Health businesses worldwide.

Nick Colucci, who served as CEO of Publicis Health since 2007, is acting as chairman of Publicis Health until the end of 2018 and has taken on the new role of chief operating officer of Publicis Communications North America. In his role as chairman of Publicis Health, Colucci is serving in an advisory capacity to von Plato, who is leading day-to-day operations of Publicis Health worldwide. Colucci continues to report to Arthur Sadoun, chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe.

“Alexandra is an inspiring leader who has been at the forefront of understanding and shaping the game-changing role of digital communication & marketing in healthcare, and I know that she will lead Publicis Health to even greater heights,” Sadoun commented.

Colucci notes, “Alexandra is a proven leader whose transformational business thinking and ability to create, build and inspire teams is unmatched. As we turn the page to a new chapter for Publicis Health, I can think of no one better suited to take the reins than Alexandra.”

According to von Plato, “The entire healthcare industry is undergoing massive changes, and healthcare marketing and healthcare sales models must change, too. I’m energized and ready to take on the challenges ahead and transform Publicis Health into a Healthcare Engagement Platform for the future. I thank both Arthur and Nick for their confidence and support in trusting me with this role.”

Von Plato started her career as a TV and commercial producer, playing key roles in the success of several award-winning, next-generation communications and media businesses, including Current Communications Company, Medical Broadcasting Company, and Digitas Health. She has overseen the development of groundbreaking brand marketing initiatives and programs for leading life sciences, biotechnology and wellness companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Target, Nestlé, and Weight Watchers. As a business leader, von Plato has driven consistent performance through a dedication to building strong teams and enduring client relationships.

Expertise in healthcare, creative innovation, and marketing have made von Plato a sought-after contributor at industry-leading events such as TEDMED, Cannes Lions Health, CES Digital Health Summit, Advertising Week, Advertising Women of New York, Digital Content Newfront, m.Dot Mobile Innovation and ThinkDigital.

In his new role, du Toit is responsible for leading Publicis Health’s global business development strategy and driving growth across its worldwide network of communications and media agencies. Du Toit reports to Avon Plato, who serves as global group president of Publicis Health and is a member of Publicis Health’s Global Management Committee.

“Michael’s perspective from holding key leadership positions on the agency, client and most recently publishing sides of the business make him both an invaluable leader for our teams and advisor to our clients,” von Plato remarked. “Add to that his deep and trusted relationships across our business and the industry, and we couldn’t ask for anyone better suited to help our leaders chart a new chapter of growth and development at Publicis Health.”

Most recently, du Toit served as president and chief client officer at Everyday Health Inc., where he led the organization’s consumer and professional businesses and created innovative partnerships across a variety of sectors that optimized audience engagement for clients’ brands. From 2006 to 2015, he served in various leadership roles at Publicis, including president at Digitas Health and Publicis Health. Du Toit previously held leadership roles at Grey Advertising and Ventiv Health as well as senior marketing positions at GlaxoSmithKline and Boehringer Ingelheim.

“I’m delighted that Michael has returned to Publicis Health, and I’m certain his impact will be felt immediately within our businesses,” Colucci says. “Michael’s deep expertise and passion for healthcare communications will be a significant driver for our growth.”

According to du Toit, “Publicis Health’s unrivaled portfolio of end-to-end solutions that cater to the full-spectrum of pharmaceutical and healthcare communications needs is truly unique. The scope and scale of products and services cover complete product lifecycles, across our clients’ many diverse audiences. Our capabilities provide solutions throughout our clients’ organizations, including C-suite consulting. I am really excited to again be a part of the premier marketing communications team in the industry, and to find innovative, efficient and effective ways to help our clients win. It’s good to be back home.”

Du Toit is based out of Publicis Health’s offices located in New York and Philadelphia. He may be reached at [email protected].