6th April, 2009

The events and communications division of Grass Roots has appointed Mark Handforth as Global Healthcare Development Director.  Mark joins the agency from pharmaceutical firm Roche where he was Head of Global Event Management, based in Switzerland. 

Nick Bender, Managing Director of Grass Roots EventCom comments: “Mark brings 20 years of wide-ranging events experience, primarily in the healthcare sector, which will be a valuable addition to our business.  While we already have extensive experience of delivering events and communications within this area, under Mark’s direction we intend to develop an International proposition.”

Mark will be based in Grass Roots’ Marlow office and, as part of the Senior Management Team, will report to Nick Bender.  In addition to his role leading the company’s expansion in the healthcare arena Internationally, Mark will ensure the agency remains up to date on compliance regulations, investigate partnerships with key industry associations and consider potential acquisition opportunities for the business.

Mark Handforth comments: “My primary task will be developing our strategy to extend delivery of our services and products within the healthcare environment, maximising our strengths and taking these to market globally. These are exciting times and there are very specific challenges in the healthcare event arena which Grass Roots is uniquely positioned to answer.”