Healthcare specialist agency Ogilvy CommonHealth Australia, has announced Kristina Luburic’s promotion to the role of General Manager, Ogilvy CommonHealth Australia.

Previously director of Medical Communications, Kristina takes over as GM from Gary Pattison who has led the agency since 2013, and will retain his role as CEO, WPP Health & Wellness AUNZ.

The move allows him to focus solely on driving collaboration and growth across WPP’s Health & Wellness offering throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Luburic’s appointment is part of an agency restructure that sees Gary Pattison pass on the day-to-day operations of the agency, but remain involved in all Health & Wellness engagements across WPP.

The new structure will allow Pattison to focus more on the broader Health & Wellness portfolio, advancing its offer and partnership with clients throughout the spectrum of health and wellness, via increased collaboration and innovation across all disciplines and communication channels.

Pattison was glowing in his praise of Luburic’s appointment: “Kristina has been instrumental in bringing OCH to where it is today.”

“As part of our Senior Leadership Team, she has constantly demonstrated strong leadership within our business and is one of those rare individuals in our industry who is completely committed to making a genuine difference to people’s lives by connecting, leading and inspiring others to create real change.”

With more than 18 years of global and local experience in medical communication, nine of those years as a Director within Ogilvy CommonHealth Australia, Kristina brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the GM role.

She will play a pivotal role in continuing to drive excellence across Ogilvy CommonHealth’s healthcare, pharmaceutical, animal health and OTC clients.

On her new appointment Luburic said: “I’m truly honoured to take the position of GM at OCH and lead our passionate and uniquely talented team in creating inspiring and life-changing work for our clients.”

Pattison continued: “OCH has been on an amazing journey in the past five years, winning many large, new client assignments across all areas of the business, receiving industry accolades and demonstrating consistent growth in a tough market.”

“I’m delighted and proud to announce that Kristina will take the reins and lead the agency into its next phase of growth and provide key solutions to the business needs of our client’s going forward.”

Claire Gillis, International CEO for Health & Wellness has added her congratulations to both Luburic and Pattison saying: “Our AsiaPac business is growing from strength to strength and I am delighted that both Gary and Kristina have the opportunity to show their strength in leading teams and meeting client needs in the challenging health and wellness space.”