Pluchino to join H&K after Roche Diagnostics exit

Pluchino is currently external affairs manager at Roche Diagnostics, where she has worked for more than two years.

Her priority is to bring in new business for H&K, although she will also advise existing clients. Based in the firm's Soho offices, she will take up her post in the new year, reporting to UK public affairs MD Tim Fallon and UK healthcare managing director Nicola Ilett.

Pluchino's job title is senior associate director, and plans to build a team under her have not been ruled out.

The creation of the position comes as H&K attempts to build a better offering for clients, addressing policy and public affairs work in the
lucrative healthcare sector.

Pluchino said: 'Not many consultancies can boast such strong UK PA and PR teams – my job will be a rare opportunity to integrate the two offerings.'

The H&K London-based PA team is around 20-strong, while 35 staff work for its healthcare arm.

Prior to joining Roche Diagnostics, Pluchino spent a year as an associate director at Edelman. She also spent six years as associate director at GPC, now Fleishman-Hillard, and has worked in media relations at the House of Commons and in local government.

Roche Diagnostics is yet to appoint a replacement for Pluchino, who will remain with the firm until the end of the year, reporting to director of business development Paul Weinburger.

Her current role has a UK and Ireland remit, and involves contact with patient care groups and professional medical organisations, as well as lobbying.