McCann Health has hired former J Walter Thompson creative chief Matt Eastwood as its global chief creative officer.

Eastwood most recently served as worldwide chief creative officer at JWT, which merged with fellow WPP shop Wunderman late last year.

He confirmed on LinkedIn that he has recently spent “a few too many months on ‘gardening leave'” before joining McCann.

Eastwood previously held roles as executive creative director at M&C Saatchi in both Melbourne and London, and chief creative officer at Y&R New York.

In a statement, he said: “I’ve been impressed for some time with the creative renaissance that [global creative chairman] Rob Reilly and his teams have brought to all of McCann Worldgroup. And like many in the business, I’ve been especially aware of some of the outstanding and meaningful creative work that McCann Health in particular has been doing around the world befitting their reputation as one of the world’s most awarded global healthcare communications companies. I am so pleased to be joining this winning team.”

McCann Health currently boasts 60 offices across 20 countries.

“Our health, wellness, and pharma clients across the board are increasingly looking at a changing landscape in which Matt’s broad background and sterling creative reputation will be of great relevance and value,” said John Cahill, global chief executive officer of McCann Health.