LONDON – Tonic Life Communications has appointed Ann Bartling as managing director of the firm's headquarters in London. She will report to Maryellen Royle, CEO of Tonic Life Communications.  

In her new role, Bartling takes on leadership of Tonic's European offering, and is tasked with providing strategic counsel and direction to the agency's diverse healthcare and client base. She will also focus on steering growth as Tonic continues to expand globally.

Tonic, which was founded in 2004, sold to Huntsworth Health in 2009, the same year founders Scott Clark, Oliver Parsons, and Moira Gitsham departed the agency. 

"Ann is a welcomed addition to our Tonic global executive team, bringing with her a proven, long-standing career in healthcare communications in Europe and the US," said Doyle. "We look forward to continuing to boost our Tonic EU presence and service offerings with Ann's energy and expertise in the healthcare space."

Bartling joins the firm from Edelman, which she joined in late 2003 in Chicago as vice president of health, and most recently most recently led the firm's UK and European health practice. Prior to that, she served as vice president, communications and marketing at the American College of Healthcare Executives. Bartling began her career as senior editor and health and public affairs coordinator at the American Medical Association in 1989.

"I am thrilled to join the Tonic team and look forward to building an expanded offering and presence in Europe. Tonic has a great heritage in Europe and expertise in bringing strategic and creative solutions to health clients."