Jesse Kohler to lead new division while continuing to provide hands-on support and strategic thinking to the firm’s clients

Wilmington, MA – Kirkwood, the full-service integrated communications provider, announced the launch of its Strategic Pharma Division, which will leverage the firm’s unique expertise in the rapidly evolving print communications needs of the pharmaceutical industry to drive greater value for its clients. Jesse Kohler has been tapped to lead the new division, taking on the title of Vice President, Pharma Division, as she deepens her focus on meeting the day-to-day, often complex needs of the firm’s bio/pharma clients. Kohler will also continue her role as liaison between Kirkwood and Jet Mail in their partnership for all pharma fulfillment and distribution.

Kohler, who has been with Kirkwood for nearly two decades, will continue to work directly with clients, supporting them from product conception and strategy through design and distribution. With direction from Kohler, Kirkwood has built a dedicated and experienced sales service team to help her continuously improve and streamline the company’s customer service model, which will continue to prioritize Kohler’s ability to bring her strategic thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills to each bio/pharmaceutical client.

“Launching this Strategic Pharma Division will empower our team to deliver even stronger value for our clients in the bio/pharma industry. Personally, I’m excited about this new role because I’ll have the opportunity to continue to work directly with my clients – which I've always found to be incredibly fulfilling – while leading a team that will position our firm for accelerated growth in this important industry,” Kohler said. “Our Division’s new structure will provide more opportunities for me to work closely with each client on creative ways to engineer, develop and deliver their products, and I’ll be backed by a sales service staff with decades of experience to optimize our efficiency and create more value for our clients.”

“After 18 years of working in the bio/pharmaceutical sector, it has become crystal clear that we need to harness our firm’s robust capabilities and target increased support for this part of our business. With her industry expertise and leadership skills, Jesse Kohler is the perfect person to run the new division,” said Chuck Colvin, EVP/Partner, Kirkwood. “Our bio/pharmaceutical vertical continues to expand thanks to Jesse’s proven track record of navigating, growing and maintaining this business. During her tenure, she has handled more than 75 drug launches, supporting her clients as an extension of their marketing team.”

With rapidly evolving regulations and changing patient expectations impacting the pharmaceutical sector, it has become increasingly important to partner with firms that deeply understand the industry for communications, printing, packaging and other patient engagement needs. Kirkwood's new Strategic Pharma Division will include an experienced team devoted to sales, support, packaging design and promotional print, along with marketing, business development and distribution through the Jet Mail partnership.

“In taking on the responsibility of overseeing our Pharma Division, Jesse will continue to meet the complex needs of our bio/pharmaceutical clients while also increasing this segment of our business,” said Mark Nappa, Kirkwood Chief Sales Officer. “She has demonstrated an impressive ability to help customers launch new drugs into the market by providing print materials to help educate healthcare professionals and patients on specific drug indications. Her training in health sciences, biology and marketing combined with her 18 years of sales experience makes her the right leader for our team.”

Kohler was a student in Quinnipiac University's nursing school when a marketing course changed her career trajectory. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, including a double minor in biology and marketing, she joined Kirkwood in 2005. Kohler lives in New England with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she plays competitive tennis and coaches lacrosse.

For 10 consecutive years, Kirkwood, established in 1973, has been recognized as one of the top printing companies in North America by Printing Impressions Magazine. Constantly renewing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Kirkwood has been a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) printer since 2008.