Fleishman-Hillard has named Anne de Schweinitz as the new global leader of its healthcare group, succeeding the recently departed Michael Rinaldo.

Ms De Schweinitz has been selected as senior vice president, senior partner and managing director of the Fleishman-Hillard healthcare group, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience in the industry.

Having formerly served in leadership roles at Hill and Knowlton, Manning Selvage and Lee and Big Arrow Group, she will now be tasked with helping her new employer to expand the reach of its healthcare communications offerings worldwide.

As part of her new appointment, Ms De Schweinitz will move to the agency's London office and report directly to Europe, Middle East and Africa president John Saunders.

He said: "Anne understands the importance of establishing sustainable and value-based relationships with clients, while cultivating the people-centric culture that sets Fleishman-Hillard apart."

Mr Saunders was appointed to his current role last year as part of ongoing efforts by Fleishman-Hillard to strengthen its leadership in the field of healthcare.