Internationally recognised communications and public affairs leader Davide Scalenghe joins leading agency OVID Health as Head of Global Strategy & Partnerships, expanding the agency’s international footprint
Davide brings 25 years’ experience advising governments, multilaterals, NGOs, philanthropies and global brands, including Médecins Sans Frontières, the Gates Foundation and UNAIDS
He built and led Edelman’s first global public health practice, where he advised the WHO, International Committee of the Red Cross and Amref Health Africa
(LONDON, UK 11 May 2026) — OVID Health has appointed internationally recognised communications and public affairs leader Davide Scalenghe as Head of Global Strategy & Partnerships, strengthening the agency’s global offer at a time of growing complexity across health, geopolitics, climate change and international development.
Scalenghe joins OVID, the leading specialist health communications agency in the UK, following more than 25 years’ experience operating at the intersection of communications, public affairs, media, advocacy and international strategy. His appointment further strengthens the agency’s integrated client offer, its ambition to expand its work with multilaterals, foundations, NGOs and mission-driven organisations, and its Health Change Maker philosophy.
Over the course of his career, Davide has advised governments, multilaterals, NGOs, philanthropies and global brands on some of the most pressing challenges shaping public life — from global health and humanitarian crises to climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, equity and international security. His work has received international industry recognition, including a Cannes Lion award in 2025.
At OVID, he will focus on expanding the agency’s international footprint – which has grown fourfold over the past two years, with the agency already advising and delivering award-winning work for multinational healthcare and life science organisations across public affairs, communications, advocacy and patient engagement.
Scalenghe will focus on building strategic partnerships, strengthening senior advisory capabilities, and developing integrated programmes across policy, advocacy, reputation and stakeholder engagement. His remit will include supporting clients operating in high-pressure and rapidly evolving environments, particularly across global health, philanthropy and international development.
He was previously Head of Global Public Health at Edelman, where he built and led the firm’s global public health practice, working with organisations including WHO, Gavi, the Stop TB Partnership, Mastercard Foundation, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Amref Health Africa. Earlier roles span humanitarian field communications with Médecins Sans Frontières in the Democratic Republic of Congo, international development advisory work across Africa and Asia with the Gates Foundation and UNAIDS, and journalism and broadcasting with CNN, Discovery and Al Gore’s Current TV.
Jenny Ousbey, CEO and Founder of OVID Health, said: “Davide brings a rare combination of strategic intelligence, international experience and creative communications thinking. He understands how influence is built across policy, media, advocacy, business and geopolitics — and how organisations can navigate increasingly complex global environments while remaining credible and trusted. He has an exceptional track record advising senior leaders and institutions through moments of transformation and pressure, and I’m delighted he is joining OVID as we continue to grow our international offer and deepen our strategic advisory capabilities.”
Davide Scalenghe, Head of Global Strategy & Partnerships, said: “I’ve spent much of my career working in environments where communications is not simply about visibility, but about trust, legitimacy and the ability to move people and systems towards action. What drew me to OVID is their fresh approach and their deep sector expertise, alongside the opportunity to build something highly strategic, agile and internationally relevant at a moment when organisations are operating under enormous pressure — politically financially and reputationally.
I believe the future belongs to organisations that can connect policy, evidence, narrative and public trust in a coherent and sustainable way. In an increasingly fragmented world, communications can no longer be separated from geopolitics, power and public legitimacy. That is increasingly where influence sits — and where meaningful change becomes possible.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Will Brennan
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+44 (0) 7464 245643
About OVID Health
OVID Health is a specialist health policy and communications consultancy advising organisations operating across healthcare, life sciences and public policy. The agency works at the intersection of policy, communications and public affairs to help clients navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive meaningful impact.
