NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), today announced the appointment of Ceci Zak, chief operating officer (COO) of DAS healthcare group of companies. A newly created role, Zak will lead the stewardship of DAS' healthcare companies to identify and create strategic and operational opportunities that provide meaningful solutions for clients. Zak will report to John Doolittle, president and CFO of DAS.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140113/NY44674)

"Ceci is passionate about helping our companies implement change and generate results for their clients," said Doolittle. "Her deep healthcare industry leadership, coupled with her successful track record of driving innovation, make her an ideal addition to our healthcare group."

Most recently, Zak served as vice president of commercial capabilities at SANOFI focusing on business innovation, digital excellence and learning & development. Over her eight years with SANOFI, Zak held a number of leadership positions including general management for the allergy portfolio, including the Allegra brand, as well as the hypertension and osteoporosis franchises, including Actonel and Avapro-Avalide. In that role, Zak was also the alliance manager for the joint venture alliances with UCB, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Procter & Gamble. Prior to SANOFI, Zak held numerous commercial roles at Roche including franchise management, customer marketing brand director, market research, training and field sales/management.

"I am excited to join an organization with the extraordinary talent and expertise to support our clients as healthcare transforms from clinically treating symptoms to improving outcomes and evolving how we understand patients today as consumers of healthcare," said Zak. "In addition, the information and data boom is reshaping the healthcare consumer experience and our healthcare group is well positioned to offer unique creative ideas that provide new value to our clients."

Zak has been recognized as an "Emerging Leader for the Healthcare Industry" by Pharmaceutical Executive and named one of the "100 Most Inspiring People in Healthcare" by PharmaVoice. Passionate about women's leadership advancement, she is a former president and member of the executive committee of the Healthcare Businesswoman's Association (HBA). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Skidmore College.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Omnicom Group Inc.
Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE Diversified Agency Services