CNBC On-Air Correspondent Mike Huckman Joins MS&LGroup as SVP, Director of Media Strategy

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- MS&LGroup, one of the world's leading communications firms, has named CNBC pharmaceuticals correspondent Mike Huckman SVP, Director of Media Strategy in the firm's Healthcare practice.

Huckman, an award-winning journalist, will provide senior level media counsel to MS&LGroup healthcare clients, contribute to new business development and serve as a thought leader in the healthcare PR arena.

Huckman joined CNBC in September 2000 and covered the drug, biotechnology and medical device industries. Prior to CNBC, he spent nine years at WXYZ-TV in Detroit. He is also one of the most recognizable voices about the healthcare industry on the Internet with thousands of followers on Twitter and the Pharma's Market blog.

As SVP with MS&LGroup, he will report to Jeanine O'Kane, North American Director of MS&LGroup Healthcare. He will be based in the New York office.

"In the past, we've said that we are looking to make game-changing hires and invest in bringing new perspectives," said O'Kane. "This is a great example of the people we're looking to bring to our clients at MS&LGroup. This is the first of several major announcements for MS&LGroup healthcare to continue to transform our business."

Huckman's addition to the MS&LGroup Healthcare practice is one more step towards a greater diversification of its offerings to include pharmaceutical, biotech, M&A, crisis, and litigation work. O'Kane is also a recent MS&LGroup hire who assumed her role in February.

"We are transforming our healthcare business approach to expand the depth of our executive level expertise so we are prepared to address the needs of our healthcare clients and make the most of their strategic opportunities," O'Kane added.

MS&LGroup Global Healthcare is ranked among the world's top healthcare communications practices with a team of more than 250 professionals around the world and clients including sanofi-aventis, Lilly, Roche and Bayer Healthcare.

About MS&LGroup

MS&L is part of MS&LGroup a leading global communications firm, offering the best in public relations, direct marketing, social media, real-time communications, corporate and events communication. Operating in wholly owned and affiliate offices in more than 90 countries spanning the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pac, our diverse team of experts listens, researches and creates provocative campaigns that build powerful brands, engage consumers, protect reputations and rally employees. MS&LGroup provides many of the world's largest companies and most recognized brands with best-in-class communication strategies to help them reach their business and communication goals.

MS&LGroup is part of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577], the world's third largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of advertising services through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe launched VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com

SOURCE MS&LGroup