SINGAPORE — GCI Health has named market leaders for new operations in Japan and India, as the WPP healthcare firm expands its Asia-Pacific footprint.

GCI Health’s Japan offering is being led by MD Chitose Yamada, who joins from Weber Shandwick, where she was a healthcare EVP. Yamada has also held leadership
positions at Edelman and InVentiv Medical Communications.

In India, GCI Health's market entry comes via parent firm BCW's pharma, health and wellness practice. Genesis BCW senior director Hemali Bhutani takes on the newly-created position of GCI Health India MD, while Genesis BCW director Naina Siwach becomes deputy MD.

The two new markets add to GCI Health's existing Asian presence in Singapore and Hong Kong. “Global market expansion is a key focus for GCI Health in 2021 as we serve international client partners and communities, and navigate an increasingly connected world,” said GCI Health global CEO Kristin Cahill.

“The addition of teams in Japan and India via exceptional local specialist talent significantly evolves our capacity to deliver regionally as well as locally across Asia-Pacific,” added GCI Health Asia-Pacific regional MD Rikki Jones. “Japan and India are critical healthcare markets which we look forward to fully servicing via our footprint expansion and the proven and exceptional leadership of Chitose, Hemali and Naina."