Spectrum Science Communications announced that Michelle Gross has been named President of the D.C.-based agency. She was formerly the agency’s Managing Director and head of ITS Biopharma practice.

According to a Spectrum release, Gross has “a broad range of experience across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular health, neuroscience, immunology and diabetes, with leading pharmaceutical companies including Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis and Eli Lilly.

“The agency also welcomed Jon Higgins, formerly of Ketchum, to the newly created role of Chief Engagement Officer. Higgins’ 24-year career at Ketchum began in California and expanded to Europe, where he led the region for many years. As CEO International, Higgins established the Asia-Pacific region and headed the Latin America, Middle East and Africa region; most recently, he spearheaded global acquisitions.”

The agency release also stated: “These announcements start the next phase in the firm’s carefully planned vision, which has kept it ahead of emerging trends to meet the ever-evolving needs of clients. That vision includes a restructuring to enhance the existing practice area focus while building a framework around four key pillars: Strategy, Engagement, Innovation and Creative. With Gross assuming day to day management of the agency, Jonathan Wilson, CEO of Spectrum, will focus on the growth and development of the agency as a whole, alongside a newly created Strategy Council.

“In addition to Gross and Higgins, the Council will include three key leaders in expanded roles: Scott Chesson as Chief Operating Officer, Robert Oquendo in the newly created role of Chief Innovation Officer and Michelle Strier in the newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer. Tim Goddard will continue to manage the GLOBALHealthPR network.

“”Our vision for Spectrum is to go beyond simply integrated teams to interwoven teams, so that our scientists, creatives, media specialists and client teams work in lockstep to deliver for our clients every day,” said Wilson. “With an uncompromising focus on client service and a strategy rooted in innovation, we’re delivering on our vision of the agency of the future.””