NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Leo P. Francis has joined McCann Complete Medical as EVP, McCann Complete Medical US. In this role Dr. Francis will lead the expansion of US domestic capability and business, developing new & innovative medical communications offerings, alongside existing capabilities for global HQ clients based in the US.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/NY46451 )

Dr. Francis joins McCann Complete Medical from Publicis, and was previously President of Publicis Medical Education Group.

He will report to Charlie Buckwell, Chief Executive of McCann Complete Medical, who commented: "This is a very exciting step for us, Leo brings an extraordinary ability to create meaningful and valued relationships with clients and colleagues alike," and also added, "Leo brings a collaborative and visionary style of business leadership, which will help us to build new horizons in Medical Communications, creating value for both clients and patients alike, through the power of evidence."

Dr. Francis began his healthcare career on the client-side in international clinical development at Gensia, before turning his skills to marketing support and early product commercialization. He then moved into medical communications utilizing his client experience, combined with keen business acumen, and robust scientific credentials.

In 2005 he relocated to the United States, to eventually become President of Adelphi Eden Health Communications, a division of the Adelphi Group. He then joined Publicis Healthcare Communications Group to lead Publicis Medical Education Group of agencies as President, and subsequently became Global Group President.

Dr. Francis' achievements throughout his career in building business, unlocking and unleashing the best of those around him are evidenced by him twice being recognized in the PharmaVoice100 (2010 & 2012) most inspiring leaders in the life sciences industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Central Lancashire. For McCann Complete Medical, Dr. Francis will be based in the New Jersey offices, and also lives in the Garden State.

About McCann Complete Medical: McCann Complete Medical is part of McCann Health, and provides world-class solutions in strategic consultancy, medical communications, pharmacy communications, real-world evidence, regulatory support, market access, and digital excellence. Our specialist agencies formulate intelligent, inventive, and appropriate strategy and communication at any phase of the product life cycle, for global, regional, and national clients.

About McCann Health: Comprising the world's most connected health and wellness experts, McCann Health is the most awarded professional and consumer health communications network with the largest international expertise spanning 35 countries and 61 offices. McCann Health's global network includes McCann HumanCare, McCann Healthcare, McCann Regan Campbell Ward, McCann Torre Lazur, McCann echo TL-- as well as the leading worldwide medical communications and consultancy practice, McCann Complete Medical. McCann Health is a part of McCann Worldgroup, the largest marketing communications agency network in the world, and is a leading healthcare agency network owned by Interpublic Group [NYSE: IPG].

SOURCE McCann Complete Medical