Dean Sowman Promoted to Head of Health

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dean Sowman to the position of Head of Health within our highly acclaimed Health Practice, and Caroline Gordon’s move to Senior Advisor. Dean’s promotion comes in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the Practice’s record growth since he joined in 2019.

Caroline Gordon, who has spent five years as Partner and Head of Health, will continue to provide strategic counsel and guidance to its growing roster of blue-chip clients.

Alongside Caroline, Dean has been responsible for the Health Team’s record expansion, growing revenues fourfold since 2019. As Head of Health, Dean Sowman will assume responsibility for driving the continued success of the Practice, which has evolved from a modest four-member unit to a talented group of seventeen professionals.

WA’s Head of Health Dean Sowman said:

“I’m delighted to lead WA’s Health practice as we continue to expand our offer to clients and our brilliant people. This is a hugely exciting time for the business. We have had successive years of growth, driven by our integrated approach and a relentless focus on impact for clients.”

WA Communications’ is renowned for its integrated communications approach, and the multi award-winning Health Practice is at the forefront of this comprehensive offering, encompassing communications, media, policy, public affairs, and creative capabilities. Dean Sowman will be joined in the Health Team’s Leadership group by Senior Director, Rebecca Brake and Associate Directors Alice Inch and Lloyd Tingley.

Commenting, Dominic Church, WA’s Managing Director said:

“I am delighted to announce Dean’s promotion to Head of Health. He has been an invaluable asset to WA Communications and has played an instrumental role in the success and growth of our Health Practice”

“Dean’s deep understanding of the healthcare sector, coupled with his strategic thinking, complex problem solving and leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to lead our Health Practice as we continue to develop our integrated offer.”

“Caroline is an exceptional business leader and she will be working closely with Dean and I as a Senior Adviser, as we shape this next phase in WA’s offer.”

Commenting, Caroline Gordon said:

“After five years heading WA’s Health practice, it felt like the right time to hand over the reins, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of building a portfolio career that draws on the expertise and experience I’ve gained at the agency.

I’m delighted that part of that portfolio will be continuing to work with the team and clients at WA, as a strategic counsel on issues across the public affairs, policy and communications landscape.”

Dean Sowman has a proven track record in healthcare communications, with extensive experience in developing and executing integrated strategies for a diverse range of clients. He advises clients on complex policy and market access programmes, disease awareness campaigns and crisis management. His expertise has helped WA Communications secure major client wins, including Sanofi, Gilead, Janssen, Jazz, AbbVie, Roche, Gamble Aware, Guide Dogs, and Astellas.

This news coincides with other significant developments within WA Communications. The company has bolstered its senior advisory capabilities with the appointments of Sir Philip Rutnam as Chair of the WA Advisory Board and Mike Bell, Chair of SW London ICB, who will provide invaluable guidance and insights to the Health Team.

With Dean Sowman’s leadership, the Health Practice at WA Communications is poised to build upon its strong foundation and continue delivering exceptional strategic communications solutions to clients in the healthcare sector. The team remains committed to providing innovative, impactful, and tailored approaches that drive positive change and foster meaningful engagement.