JPA Health Communications, recently appointed Valerie Carter to lead its London office. Carter, who has been with the company since 2011, is a veteran communicator with more than 22 years of experience in public affairs, advocacy and media relations.

“I’m grateful for Valerie’s leadership and dedication to the agency,” said Carrie Jones, principal and managing director of JPA. “Her experience serving the European market will help us enhance our global services while building a thriving practice in London.”

JPA provides health communications for charity, pharmaceutical and medical device clients. The agency is known for its work in influencer relations, a targeted approach to reaching stakeholders who engage others.

“Our clients are increasingly looking for innovative solutions that reflect their evolving needs,” commented Carter. “I am excited about building a team in London that will expand JPA’s capabilities, broaden our experiences and bring unparalleled service to our clients in the EU.”

Prior to joining JPA in 2011, Carter served as vice president of public affairs at Ricochet PR, where she was responsible for managing and directing all public affairs accounts and projects, with a focus in supporting healthcare organisations.

Carter spent 15 years at Merck & Co., Inc., where she rose to lead the company’s government affairs communications efforts, with a focus on extensive grassroots legislative action and Political Action Committee programs, as well as lobbying.