LOS ANGELES — Weber Shandwick West has expanded its leadership structure, promoting regional healthcare practice leader Jim Wetmore to general manager of the agency’s Los Angeles office.

Wetmore will continue overseeing Weber Shandwick’s regional healthcare operation in addition to assuming the newly created role. He will report to both Will Ludlam, who was named Weber Shandwick West president in May, and global healthcare practice president Laura Schoen.

Wetmore has been with Weber Shandwick since 2014, when he joined to co-lead the firm’s California healthcare practice. He spent six years with GCI Health before that.

“Jim is a talented professional and a strong leader.  As a leader within our firm’s global healthcare practice, he has relentlessly championed effective solutions and stand out work for clients,” said Sara Gavin, the agency’s North American president. “In his expanded role, Jim will lead our Los Angeles office and team to continue its trajectory of growth and accomplishment. He is also a key member of the overall leadership team in our West region.”

Wetmore’s new position was created in response to the steady growth of the LA office due, in part, to a boost in healthcare business, as well as organizations in the tech and consumer brand sectors among others. Clients include Amgen, Genentech and the LA LGBT Center.