NEW YORK — Burson-Marsteller has promoted David Zitlow to chair of its US healthcare practice and Lisa Davidson as US deputy chair.  

Zitlow will now report to Burson’s US CEO Dave DenHerder and will continuing working with Helene Ellison, the agency’s global chair of healthcare. Ellison has served a dual-role as chair of the US and global healthcare practices since joining Burson in 2010. Zitlow, who is based in Chicago, joined Burson in November to lead the healthcare teams in the West and Midwest regions. Before joining the agency, he was chief marketing and communications officer for Cord Blood Registry. 

Davidson has led Burson's New York healthcare team since joining the firm in 2009. Her promotion is the first time the agency has named a deputy chair for the US practice.

Last November, Burson hired Kate Hawker as managing director and chair of both its EMEA and UK healthcare practices.