Industry update

Former Edelman Health Chair joins Ward Marketing Group to launch new advisory

by Telum Media

7 April 2026 11:42 PM

2 mins read

The Ward Marketing Group has appointed Will Collie to launch a new corporate and strategic communications advisory firm, The Advisory Ward. He joined following a senior career advising healthcare and life sciences clients across Australia and internationally, including leadership roles at Edelman.

Created in partnership with Group CEO Stuart Black, the pair will build the new offering with the wider Ward Marketing Group leadership, and it will sit alongside the Group’s existing agencies, including Ward6, Ward7, The Engagement Ward, and 66South.

The Advisory Ward will provide senior advisory support across corporate reputation, brand and product communications, media strategy, patient advocacy engagement, and issues preparedness to pharmaceutical, biotech, consumer wellness, and healthcare organisations.

Stuart said: “Over the past few years we've seen growing demand from healthcare organisations for communications support at a much more strategic level.

"Will has built a reputation as one of the most experienced advisers in this space, and partnering with him to launch The Advisory Ward is an exciting next step for the Ward Marketing Group."

Will said that the creation of The Advisory Ward reflects a shift in how healthcare organisations are thinking about communications.

"In healthcare today, communications is no longer episodic," he said.

"Health companies are expected to engage continuously with patients, clinicians, policymakers, and the broader community. That requires a more disciplined and strategic approach to communications - and that's exactly what The Advisory Ward has been designed to provide."

^{(Pictured: Stuart Black and Will Collie)}

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