Communispace Launches Healthcare Arm

In the US, online research community builder Communispace has launched a new business unit dedicated to healthcare clients; and has named VP Corey Schwartz as its Managing Director. The firm says more such 'sub-brand' launches may be in the pipeline.

Omnicom-owned Communispace has launched more than 700 communities to date, and recruited community members from 156 countries. Since its launch, the firm has reported year-over-year double-digit growth in the healthcare industry, and it now has 45 healthcare communities with more than 12,000 community members, offering clients access to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Schwartz (pictured) joined the firm in 2007, after working for Wyeth Consumer Healthcare for six years, latterly as Group Product Director in charge of the respiratory brand portfolio. Earlier, she was a Product Manager at Revlon, in charge of the firm's hair color business, and a Management Consultant at Coopers & Lybrand.

CEO Charles Trevail comments: 'The healthcare industry is a key focus for us in North America, and Communispace Health will allow us to both better serve our existing clients in this space and to grow the business. Corey's experience in brand management and consumer goods will be invaluable as she builds the business. I am hopeful that Communispace Health will be the first of a number of Communispace sub-brands, as we continue to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that we were founded on.'

Web site: www.communispace.com .