Madhavi Tumkur 16 Apr 2021 // 10:40AM GMT
LONDON — Weber Shandwick has added two key leadership roles in its EMEA region with the appointments of Malin Ljung Eiborn and John-Kenneth Billingsley to lead its sustainability and health policy/advocacy specialties, respectively.
A a former partner at Weber Shandwick Prime, Eiborn returns to the agency in Stockholm to grow its sustainability portfolio across EMEA . She was most recently head of sustainability at BillerudKorsnäs where she led the multinational packaging company to be recognised by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Eiborn will work with regional market leaders to leverage expertise across key global practices including social impact, corporate and public affairs. Previously, as a partner at Weber Shandwick Prime for six years, Eiborn helped build its sustainability offering. She has also held roles at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stockholm and in Brussels.
“The stakes for building a purpose-led business strategy with sustainability at the core couldn’t be higher for companies today – and effective communications are a critical element to the success of any sustainability plan,” said Eiborn. “I’m thrilled to be returning to Weber Shandwick at a time when the agency is doing some of the most impressive work in purpose and sustainability communications, and I look forward to applying all of the great creativity, insights and resources that we have across our network to make a true difference in the world.”
Billingsley, meanwhile, joins as EVP of health policy and advocacy, focusing on global and pan-European public affairs and advocacy programmes for health and pharmaceutical brands. Based in London, he will also contribute to client work in the areas of sustainability and corporate reputation management.
Billingsley previously served as VP and global head of external engagement for UCB, where he managed government affairs, public policy, patient advocacy and public-private partnership activities. In previous external affairs leadership roles at Novartis and GSK, he led cross-sector commercial partnerships that accelerated and expanded patient access to healthcare.
Billingsley has also served on the boards of several international industry organisations, including the Board of Vaccines Europe, the Council of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations and the International Section Executive Committee of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
“The global pandemic has helped to usher in greater awareness of the intersection of public health with issues like social justice and racial equity. Weber Shandwick is ahead of the curve in innovating to offer cross-practice capabilities to address these key issues holistically,” Billingsley said. “I couldn’t be more energised to join Weber Shandwick at such a pivotal time for healthcare communications."
Weber Shandwick’s global sustainability specialty is led by social impact global lead Paul Massey, while its global healthcare is is one of the world’s largest, serving 15 markets in EMEA with hubs in London, Geneva, Frankfurt and Brussels, and staffed by more than 300 health communications specialists.
“Public health and environmental health are two of the most pressing global challenges facing society and therefore our clients and our agency, which is why I am thrilled we are adding two heavy hitters to help us deepen our strength in these areas," said Susan Howe, chief growth officer of Weber Shandwick.
"John-Kenneth brings a wealth of policy, advocacy and corporate reputation experience honed at top global healthcare brands, and Malin is a sought-after expert with an impressive track record of accelerating sustainability leadership for some of the world’s most admired organisations."