Ogilvy Health has promoted Shannon Walsh to the newly created role of chief operating officer, North America. The position gives Walsh oversight of agency operations, marketing, communications and innovation for North America.
Walsh is an Ogilvy veteran. Since joining the company in 2004, Walsh has held a number of positions. Ogilvy made Walsh managing director of health and wellness PR and influence in 2018 and gave her an additional title, president, North America, PR in 2021. Walsh will continue to lead the PR, influence and social business while working as COO of Ogilvy Health.
Kim Johnson, who has served as global CEO of Ogilvy Health since 2021, outlined what makes Walsh right for the COO post. In a statement, Johnson said Walsh is “a proven leader with an unparalleled track record of success at Ogilvy Health” and highlighted her “strategic vision and commitment to excellence.”
Ogilvy Health listed “consumer education, regulatory and product milestones, advocacy relations and issues preparedness” as its new COO’s areas of expertise. Walsh has driven growth and led a team that has run multiple award-winning campaigns, Ogilvy Health said, and has remained involved in client work, including by serving as team leader and relationship manager for a key account.
The CCO joins a new-look C-suite at Ogilvy Health. In February, the agency revealed the appointment of Renata Maia as chief creative officer and Christianna Gorin as chief growth and strategy officer.
Ogilvy Health said Walsh’s appointment comes “at a time of incredible momentum” for the agency. The agency has “secured major new clients across multiple disciplines,” Ogilvy Health said, and won a series of awards at Cannes Lions, Clio Health and other events.