During my university years, I took the opportunity to step out and gain some real-world experience, which led me to a role with Pfizer Animal Health - now Zoetis - in their marketing team. It didn’t take long for me to realise I’d found something that really clicked. The role combined relationship building, creativity and commercial thinking, and for the first time, I could see my work come to life. That sense of impact was addictive. Marketing is fast-paced, constantly evolving and demands curiosity, which made it a natural fit for me.

After university, I returned to Pfizer in an internal communications and engagement role during the Pfizer-Wyeth acquisition. It was a fascinating time to be inside a global organisation, watching how businesses of that scale come together, reshape themselves, and build new offerings. I also had the chance to work alongside major consultancies and creative agencies, which gave me an early glimpse into that world.

Following the merger, I made the move into agency life with Sudler & Hennessey (part of WPP) and I never looked back. From there, I joined DDB, part of Omnicom, within its health division. Since 2012, I’ve progressed through the ranks, relocated to Sydney and now serve as Managing Partner of Omnicom Health. Most recently, the business has continued to evolve following Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group, transitioning what was DDB Remedy fully into Omnicom Health.

Most people in marketing either begin client-side and stay there or move into it from an agency. I did the opposite. Starting at Pfizer gave me a deep understanding of the commercial realities, compliance frameworks, and stakeholder complexities that clients deal with every day. It makes you pragmatic. Moving into the agency world allowed me to stretch that foundation creatively. Today, I bring a blend of both perspectives, which helps ensure that the ideas we develop are not only innovative but also grounded in what clients actually need to get work over the line internally.

While I’ve worked across a wide range of therapeutic areas, from oncology to dermatology, the core of the job doesn’t really change. The science evolves, of course, but fundamentally it’s about creating value, meaning, and trust in brands. Whether I’m speaking to consumers, oncologists, or GPs, the goal is the same: to land a compelling idea in their minds using the right channels and tools. That relies heavily on understanding culture and how human behaviour is shifting, so that the approach can evolve alongside it.

I’ve always believed in taking calculated risks. I left Reigate Grammar School at 16, changed university courses after my first year, and took time out to gain work experience before finishing my degree. Once I entered the workplace, I consistently looked for opportunities that stretched me. You never really know what you’re capable of until you push beyond your comfort zone, so I made a habit of volunteering for new projects and challenges.

In marketing and creative services, you’re only ever as strong as your last piece of work, so there have been countless small moments that have shaped my career. But more than anything, it’s the relationships you build that make the biggest difference. Expanding your network beyond your immediate circle is critical. Without that mindset - and the support that comes with it - I wouldn’t have made the move to Australia.

Relocating from London to Sydney was a complete reset. London offers incredible scale and rigour as a global hub, whereas Sydney is more agile and open to experimentation. That shift forced me to strip away a lot of the corporate noise and focus on what really drives impact on the ground. It ultimately made me a more adaptable and resilient leader. And as the world becomes more connected, the ability to operate both globally and locally has become a real advantage.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role now is mentorship. Seeing people you’ve worked with go on to achieve great things is incredibly fulfilling. For example, someone I hired as an account executive back in 2012 is now Head of Client Partnerships at an Omnicom agency, another is now head of marketing for a well-known fashion brand and one I am very proud of is a neurodivergent individual who was out of work for over two years that recently was promoted to director level on a high profile home retail client. There’s also something special about those small moments when you see someone really “get it”, when they suddenly start navigating more complex challenges with confidence.

Judging major industry awards has also shaped my perspective. There’s always debate about the commercial value of awards, but at their best, they recognise strong insights and creative thinking. What it’s reinforced for me is that the simplest ideas are often the most powerful. It’s also pushed me to stay curious and to keep asking how I can elevate or reframe a problem to find more impactful solutions.

Looking ahead, the pace of change - particularly with AI - is impossible to ignore. It has the potential to transform everything, from how campaigns are created to how organisations operate day-to-day. While that can feel daunting, I see it as an opportunity. It’s a tool that can make us smarter, faster, and more capable. The key is staying open-minded. At Omnicom Health, it’s not about any single platform or process, but about being ready to embrace what’s possible as technology continues to evolve.

Moving across the world also reinforces just how important a strong network is. The Reigatian community gave me a solid foundation, and taking on an ambassador role is really about giving something back - helping others navigate international moves and new markets with the confidence that they already have a support system around them.

Narve's Top Tip

I have three pieces of advice, firstly, not to let the science intimidate you. Healthcare Marketing is, at its heart, about human stories. If you can take complex clinical information and distil it into something clear and compelling, you’ll always be in demand. Secondly, if you’re considering a global career, say yes to the opportunities that feel slightly uncomfortable - those are the ones that accelerate your growth the most. Thirdly, while it’s common now to move roles frequently, I’d also say that if you find something that really works, something with real potential and variety, it’s worth committing to it and making the most of that opportunity.