NEW YORK: Makovsky & Company has hired Lee Davies as group VP for its health practice. He will begin work at the firm January 3.
Davies will join the agency from Merck & Co., where he worked as director of global media relations. He will report to Gil Bashe, EVP and health practice director.
Davies said he joined the firm because of the structure of its health practice, noting it has a flat hierarchy and a collaborative atmosphere.
“This is an unusual agency and unusual opportunity for me,” Davies said. “I have not seen this sort of package in agencies, and to me that makes it unique.”
Davies was a founding member of the healthcare practice at Burson-Marsteller. His three-decade career includes stints as general manager of PRISM International and SVP of PR at Euro RSCG Life. Davies has also worked at Ogilvy PR Worldwide.
Davies also founded and oversaw his own healthcare communications firm, Davies & Murray, for 12 years, counseling clients through product launches, corporate crises, and communications issues.
He cited his varied background as a strength in terms of offering strategic communications counsel.
“Advice must be based on real-life experience and established relationships,” Davies said. “I can put myself in client's shoes and provide professional care from a different perspective.”
