UK-based international healthcare communications agency, Makara Health, has kicked off 2020 with additional new hires, having now doubled its senior headcount since January 2019.

Tony Knibb joins as digital development director. He has nearly 20 years of digital and creative experience, having most recently worked as digital media manager at Halesway and FCB Health Hampshire.

Helen Rodway joins the team as senior account director. Rodway’s background is in brand strategy and delivery, joining from MJL where she was a group account director and, prior to that, at DDB Remedy and Pfizer.

Grainne Maguire takes on an associate director role within Makara’s PR team. She brings a wealth of PR and brand communications experience, having previously worked at Togo Run for seven years, as well as Aurora, KYNE, MHP and Edelman.

Bea Perks further strengthens the scientific team at Makara in a senior medical writer role. She has over 20 years of medical writing experience, most recently at Pro Pharma Communications.

Louise Sharp, owner and MD of Makara Health, says, “I am thrilled at the rate at which the company has grown with significant expansion across all our key functions: creative brand communications, medical education and engagement, and PR communications. Growth needs to be supported with expert talent and hiring experienced practitioners such as Tony, Helen, Grainne and Bea will enable us to continue to deliver the thoughtful, responsive service we have become known for. Agile working continues to deliver for both clients and our team and I am excited to see what new opportunities await us in 2020.”

Knibb will work alongside Ekta Rohra, who joined Makara as director of digital strategy in November last year. Makara’s project support team in Salisbury also continues to grow, having most recently appointed Ben Perez as project coordinator.