LONDON, February 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ketchum Pleon, the leading communications consultancy in the U.K. and Europe, has announced today that Amanda Sefton has been named managing director of the healthcare practice in London, effective immediately. In this role, Sefton will lead the growth and expanding international reach of the agency's healthcare business. Sefton replaces Susannah Knox, who will leave the agency in July after three years in the role.

"Amanda is a proven leader and counsellor to clients and colleagues alike," said Avril Lee, deputy CEO, Ketchum Pleon. "Her primary goal is to build upon the good reputation our healthcare business has enjoyed since its emergence several years ago as an intrinsic part of our business and great source of pride. At the same time, we will miss Susannah and thank her for her many contributions to the business."

A 13-year public relations veteran, Sefton is a seasoned healthcare and corporate communicator with international experience in emerging markets, having worked in Asia for several years. Most recently, she served as director of healthcare for Ketchum Pleon.

"Our healthcare team is amongst the most respected in the industry, having won numerous awards for product launches, disease education and communications programmes targeting healthcare professionals and patients," said Sefton. "I am excited to take on this new role and continue to work with such a talented group of people to grow our business."

Sefton - who will be responsible for the practice's strategic direction, business development and acquisition of talent - will be supported by seasoned healthcare directors Sebastian Desprez and Alex Watson to strengthen the practice's collaborative network. Knox will continue to work together with the team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

About Ketchum Pleon

Ketchum Pleon is one of the largest, most geographically diverse communications consultancies and the established European market leader. Worldwide, Ketchum has more than 2,000 employees in owned operations and operates in 66 countries with more than 100 owned and affiliated offices. Ketchum is a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC; http://www.omnicomgroup.com). Additional information on Ketchum Pleon and its award-winning work can be found at http://www.ketchumpleon.com.

SOURCE Ketchum Ltd