Charlene Leitner Appointed to Lead and Expand iris’ Healthcare Capabilities

iris has appointed healthcare advertising and marketing industry veteran Charlene Leitner as Healthcare Practice Lead to expand and deepen the network’s capabilities within the sector. Over the last 10 years, iris has successfully implemented the participation-first approach in their work with healthcare giants Reckitt Benckiser, Phillips and Roche, among others. Previously with McCann and Sanofi, Leitner will harness the power of participation to create meaningful conversations between consumers and healthcare brands for iris’ new and existing clients.

During her 25-year career, Leitner has passionately and strategically built healthcare and consumer packaged goods brands – from global launches for Crestor and Nicorette, to reviving products such as TheraFlu and Zetia, and increasing sales to record levels for Lantus and Triaminic. Her experience working with OTC and Rx drugs as well as consumer-packaged goods will help iris deepen its capabilities across integrated digital and experiential marketing campaigns and CRM within the ever-expanding healthcare sector.

Charlene Leitner Healthcare Practice Lead, iris, said: “iris is known for helping turn brands into “Participation Brands,” and there’s no category more meaningful to participation than healthcare, where the emotional stakes are so high. I’m excited to be at iris to help make healthcare brands become more vibrant participants in consumers’ lives. At iris, we engage consumers and their HCPs more deeply in ways that they want to be communicated to and informed.”

Leitner will be supported by an experienced and passionate team across strategy, account and creative, including: Brennen Roberts, Managing Director, iris Chicago, Dipti Bramhandkar, Planning Director, iris New York and Adam Abrahami, Managing Director iris Concise.