LONDON—Burson-Marsteller has added to its healthcare capabilities with the appointment of Avril Lee as deputy global healthcare practice chair. Based in the UK, Lee will partner with global healthcare practice chair Helene Ellison to expand the firm’s healthcare representation worldwide. She joins the firm on February 19.

For the past two years, Lee was managing director of MSL Group’s UK and EMEA health practices, overseeing business that included global portfolio communications for Allergan in ophthalmology and medical aesthetics as well as clients in the biopharmaceutical, device and diagnostics and over-the-counter spaces.

Before that she spent two years with corporate and public affairs consultancy Luther Pendragon as a director leading the AbbVie Humira business. Before that, she spent 10 years with Ketchum London, most recently as CEO and partner and relationship lead for Bayer global & Roche (UK & Global).

"As economic changes and new initiatives for health equality across the world drive a new focus on health, never before has healthcare communications been so truly global with clients looking to reach consumers and professionals in industrialized, emerging and other evolving markets,” added Lee.

Lee will report to Ellison as well as to Stephen Day, CEO of Burson-Marsteller London.