gci media releases

GCI Group Appoints Robert Eakins to Lead and Evolve Canadian Healthcare Practice

November 30, 2010 | gci news

Public relations and public affairs company GCI Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Eakins to the position of SVP and Practice Leader, Healthcare.   Eakins arrives at GCI Group with a 20-year career in healthcare communications having worked with an expansive list of leading and emerging clients in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccines and biotechnology.  He has also worked with professional and consumer stakeholders, and governments.

In this new position, Eakins will work with GCI Group clients to develop strategies and activities that uniquely address their corporate and brand requirements in today’s complex healthcare environment - from announcing Health Canada approvals to building campaigns around national and provincial drug recommendations and formulary listings.  With GCI Group experts in public affairs, corporate, consumer lifestyle, and digital/social media practices, Eakins will integrate a “best-in-class” account team to achieve measured client successes. 

“As GCI Group continues to grow, we are fortunate to hire seasoned public relations practitioners like Robert to counsel clients and manage their most trusted brands and reputations,” said Marion MacKenzie, President, GCI Group.  “We are in an unique position to grow our healthcare presence in Canada with Robert’s network, new mandates with current clients and a number of referrals from partner WPP agencies in Canada and across borders.”

“I am pleased to join GCI Group as it has earned the high praise and respect of clients and employees, and has the veteran practitioners who can provide their expertise to healthcare clients to make a real business difference,” said Eakins.  “I’m eagerly looking forward to working with the Canadian clients of GCI Group and WPP, as well as international WPP agency clients to integrate and maximize the communications function, to create holistic marketing campaigns, and to manage client issues and mandates unique to Canada and provincial markets.”

“He’s Got You Covered”…

Eakins arrives at GCI Group with “head-to-toe” therapeutic experience including: mental health, oncology, cardiovascular disease, asthma/COPD, diabetes, infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexually-transmitted infections), osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, obesity, dermatology (psoriasis), pain and toenail fungus.  He has also worked on mandates specific to: vaccines (meningitis, tetanus, influenza), women’s health (contraception), cosmetic health (breast implants, facial esthetics), devices (diabetes monitors), consumer care/health (including prescription to OTC switches), corporate health (mergers/acquisitions, issues management and product recalls), stakeholder and advocacy relations, public relations/affairs (Common Drug Review, Joint Oncology Drug Review, formulary listings) and accredited medical and pharmacy education.

About GCI Group

GCI Group is part of the WPP network, the world’s largest communications services group.  The company is distinguished by its long-time client relationships with some of the world’s most well-known brands.  GCI Group enjoys consistently superior client service accolades from our clients.  This is driven by our commitment to outstanding client services, practical creativity to drive results and nimbleness.  Our motto is “Change Rules”.  We focus on delivering the big (or small idea) that drives changes, applying the digital media evolution thoughtfully and being brilliant with the basics.  GCI Group offers a full range of communications services in Public Affairs, Healthcare, Corporate, Consumer Lifestyle, and Digital/Social Media.

For more information contact:
Robert Eakins
SVP and Practice Leader, Healthcare, GCI Group
Phone: 416-486-5911
E-Mail: robert.eakins@gcicanada.com