Popper and Company Announces Paul Sonnier as Head of Digital Health Strategy

SARASOTA, Fla. and BALTIMORE, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Popper and Co., an M&A advisory and specialty consulting firm whose mission is to help clients across the life sciences spectrum address complex business challenges, announced today that it has extended its reach into digital health and expanded its geographic scope by appointing Paul Sonnier as Head of Digital Health Strategy. Mr. Sonnier, who is based in San Diego – a world-renowned center for life sciences and wireless technology innovation – is founder of the highly respected Wireless Health Group on LinkedIn and has a broad range of knowledge and experience in medical and wireless health-related technologies and business strategy. Mr. Sonnier began working with Popper and Co. in the second half of 2011 as a strategic advisor.  In his new role as Head of Digital Health Strategy, Mr. Sonnier strengthens and broadens the firm's capabilities related to the super-convergence taking place across multiple digital technologies and the life sciences, healthcare, and consumer health, wellness, and fitness industries.

"We are thrilled to have Paul on board, particularly at this period of time when the convergence of technology and medicine each day becomes more relevant to the life science industry and the daily practice of health care," said Caroline Popper, M.D., M.P.H., the firm's Co-founder and President. "Paul brings his familiarity, insights and experience in the digital health industry to our existing team of experts whose operational backgrounds span clinical, technology, marketing and finance in a variety of capacities in the diagnostics, medical device and pharmaceutical industries." 

Mr. Sonnier most recently served as vice president of partner development at the Wireless-Life Sciences Alliance (WLSA), a global trade organization that brings CEOs from the most innovative wireless health companies together with business leaders and researchers in healthcare and technology to accelerate business opportunities and improve healthcare.

Mr. Sonnier is also a mentor at Blueprint Health, the TechStars-affiliated startup accelerator program based in New York City that helps early-stage healthcare companies. He also serves as co-chair of the Healthcare Communications SIG at CommNexus San Diego, a telecommunications industry group that accelerates the formation, growth, and success of communications technology and service companies in the San Diego region.

Mr. Sonnier has previously held various senior operations, program, and customer relationship management positions in the wireless medical device, consumer mobile device, and commercial aerospace industries. He received his M.B.A. from Seattle University and a B.S. in manufacturing engineering technology from Western Washington University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

"I am excited to begin a new phase at Popper and Co. – a firm that currently advises many of the world's leading diagnostics and device companies as well as some of the most innovative life sciences companies," said Mr. Sonnier. "As a member of the Popper and Co. team, I look forward to establishing our organization as a leader in the field of digital health consulting."

About Popper and Co.

Founded in 2003, Popper and Company is an M&A advisory and specialty consulting firm whose mission is to help clients across the life sciences spectrum – from public companies to private companies to investors – address complex challenges, providing clients with unparalleled attention and, through the deep domain expertise of its principals, creative and insightful advice. The firm's operational background spans clinical, technology, marketing and finance in a variety of capacities in the diagnostics, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. The Popper and Company team delivers perspective, value, and high-quality, hands-on service in the areas of business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic development, product development, and diligence. Visit www.popperandco.com for more information.

SOURCE Popper and Co.