AGENCY NEWS

Sachin Makani, PHD Promoted to EVP of Scientific Strategy and Communication

August 4, 2022

Makani to oversee scientific strategy and storytelling for both Golin Group agency health brands in the U.S.

NEW YORK (August 4, 2022) – Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) agency Golin announced today that Sachin Makani, PhD has been appointed to oversee scientific strategy and communications for Golin Health and Virgo Health in the U.S. As executive vice president (EVP), scientific strategy and communication, Makani will be responsible for delivering science-first, pioneering and award-winning health and medical communications that make the highest impact for life sciences brands. Based in Golin’s New York office, Makani reports to Cori McKeever, global president of healthcare.

Dr. Makani brings nearly two decades of scientific research and medical training to this role, receiving a PhD in neuroscience and physiology from New York University’s School of Medicine, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Makani is a veteran of Virgo Health, dedicating the past seven years to advancing top-notch scientific strategy and communication for its clients in marketing emergent therapies to physicians. He will bring the same expertise and dedication to Golin Health as well.

“I’m excited to expand my role to encompass both Golin Health and Virgo Health – two global integrated healthcare communications agencies grounded in science and creativity,” said Makani. “As someone passionate about the cutting edge of medicine, I look forward to translating complex data into powerful storytelling that engages audiences intellectually and emotionally.”

On the heels of Golin’s strongest business performance in its 65-year history, the agency continues to double down on specialized talent to fuel its growth. Golin Health grew by 26% across the U.S. in 2021 and has strengthened its team to nearly 90 specialists, solidifying its leadership in advancing full-service healthcare communications offerings. Virgo Health U.S. also grew by more than 17% over the past 12 months. Makani will further drive growth of the Golin Health and Virgo Health client rosters by partnering with stakeholders in brand, regulatory, medical and legal spaces to maximize strategy and content for scientific audiences.

“As a dedicated scientific authority for Golin Health and Virgo Health, Makani will ensure the highest standard possible in scientific communications,” said McKeever. “Sachin’s scientific insights, strategic acumen and people-first leadership make this new role the natural next step in his career, and I am thrilled he will bring the same spirit we’ve seen him exhibit at Virgo Health to Golin Health as well.”

In addition to strategy and positioning, Makani will partner with Golin Health’s analytics and creative teams to develop impactful content embracing highly creative approaches brought to life by digital mediums. He will also continue to lead medical communications and peer-to-peer strategies.