Deerfield Agency Acquires Embedded, Launches New Life Sciences Marketing Brand

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Deerfield Agency announced that it has agreed to acquire healthcare marketing and advertising firm Embedded.¹ After the acquisition is completed, Deerfield Agency, Embedded, and Verge Scientific Communications will operate under the new brand Deerfield Group.

In a press release, Deerfield Agency announced the Frank Burrell will serve as CEO of the newly formed Deerfield Group. In the same press release, he said, “With shifting market dynamics and industry trends, our clients are in even greater need of smart, integrated marketing and communications strategies and agile partners who can help maximize their efforts and resources to ensure the greatest possible impact for their business. Over the last 10 years, Deerfield Group has continued to evolve to shape new services, solutions, and ways of working that enable us to truly deliver for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome Embedded, whose seasoned team adds to our bench of marketing and communications strategists—enhancing and expanding how we plan and execute for clients every day. We have also completed a leadership alignment to drive greater collaboration and integration across our work for clients and the organization."

Dominic Viola is a founding partner of Embedded and will become president of integrated marketing of Deerfield Group. In the same press release, he said, “As the life sciences space evolves, we understand the clear need to deliver insight-driven strategy and integrated marketing campaigns for clients. The partnership with Deerfield expands our capacity for impact with clients as we create the destination for these companies across the marketing and communications continuum.”

Deerfield also announced the following roles for the newly formed Deerfield Agency: Joshua Benson as COO, Paul Brown as partner and board member, Lissette Steele as chief insights officer, and Amanda Sellers as president of global communications.

In March, Deerfield Agency announced that Bill Veltre had joined the company as executive vice president and head of media.²

In a press release issued at the time, Burrell said, “Bill's appointment signifies an exciting milestone for Deerfield Agency as our media service offerings grow and we continue to enhance our media insights and reporting capabilities. Recognized as a dedicated media-enthusiast and provocative thought leader, Bill will explore new opportunities in digital marketing and reporting, helping our clients drive meaningful engagement with patients and health care professionals."

In the same press release, Veltre said, “I am thrilled to join the Deerfield team and play a key role in driving the agency's continued success. Critical to pharmaceutical marketing today is how to effectively engage with HCPs and patients and how we leverage insights to improve the effectiveness of marketing efforts. Deerfield has built a true marketing engine powered by omnichannel approaches, data and analytics, and creative strategy. I'm looking forward to partnering with my new colleagues to continue to refine our approaches and help our clients deliver on the promise of their products."

In February, the company also announced that Eric Steckelman joined as executive vice president of business development.³ In a press release, Burrell said, “"Eric's appointment marks an exciting chapter for Deerfield Agency as we continue to expand our capabilities and drive innovation as an Agency of Brand® in the healthcare and life sciences industries. With a proven track record in new business growth and development, along with expertise in assessing market trends and opportunities, we are confident that Eric will play a key role in deepening and expanding client relationships and broadening visibility for the agency."

Sources

1. Deerfield Agency Acquires Embedded to Expand Brand Strategy, Planning, and Integrated Marketing Capabilities for Health and Life Science Companies. Deerfield Agency. June 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deerfield-agency-acquires-embedded-to-expand-brand-strategy-planning-and-integrated-marketing-capabilities-for-health-and-life-science-companies-302165410.html
2. Deerfield Agency Welcomes Bill Veltre as EVP, Head of Media. Deerfield Agency. March 20, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deerfield-agency-welcomes-bill-veltre-as-evp-head-of-media-302094456.html
3. Deerfield Agency Appoints Growth-Oriented Eric Steckelman to Lead Business Development and Marketing. Deerfield Agency. February 28, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deerfield-agency-appoints-growth-oriented-eric-steckelman-to-lead-business-development-and-marketing-302073476.html