NEW YORK — Ruder Finn has hired imre’s Lindsay Hughes as head of the firm’s New York healthcare practice.

As an executive VP, Hughes is charged with shaping and building the New York healthcare practice. Leading marquee accounts and unlocking new opportunities for strategic partnerships will be among her responsibilities. She also will be handling client communications designed for a range of stakeholders.

Hughes joins Ruder Finn after nearly 17 years at imre, where she most recently served as executive VP of client experience.

During her time at imre, she also served as senior VP of integration and a VP in the firm's health practice. Clients included AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, AMAG Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson Medical Device enterprises.

“Our Healthcare practice is on a powerful trajectory for expansion worldwide,” said Christie Anbar, managing director of healthcare. “Lindsay is a perfect partner to help us maximize current and new business opportunities, and ultimately, fortify our organic growth strategy. With her history in providing best-in-class experiences for some of the most reputable healthcare brands, I have no doubt that her capabilities will help the practice soar to new heights.”