Tuesday, June 23, 2026

WEFRA LIFE appoints Can Yildiz as Chief Innovation Officer

WEFRA LIFE Group is reorganising its innovation structure. Can Yildiz, previously a member of the management board, has been appointed Chief Innovation Officer. The agency group announced the move in Neu-Isenburg on 22 June 2026.

The healthcare communications agency is responding to changes in the market, including the growing role of artificial intelligence, data-driven technologies and integrated communications models.

Central role for innovation management

In his new position, Yildiz will be responsible for the strategic management, prioritisation and measurement of the group’s innovation initiatives. His remit also includes the further development of WEFRA LIFE’s innovation and operating models.

The agency is focusing on how specialist capabilities can be combined into a more integrated system. Relevant areas include data, content, media, technology and experience. According to WEFRA LIFE, the ability to connect these disciplines is becoming an important competitive factor in healthcare marketing.

Innovation Hub and data capabilities to be strengthened

As part of the realignment, WEFRA LIFE plans to expand its Innovation Hub and consolidate data expertise across the group. The aim is to reduce interfaces and accelerate innovation processes.

The company describes four priorities for the new structure:

• closer alignment between technology, data and business
• bundling of innovation and data capabilities
• a stronger focus on integrated end-to-end solutions
• greater emphasis on measurable results

AI applications under the WEFRAi umbrella

WEFRA LIFE is already using several proprietary AI applications under the WEFRAi brand. These include an HCP brand lift study designed to measure changes in brand perception before and after campaign exposure.

The group also cites an AI-based neuroscience analysis that simulates 100 HCPs viewing communication assets before campaign budgets are committed. Other tools include AI-supported ad creation, an audit for compliance with the German Heilmittelwerbegesetz, and AI companions and chatbots for internal and external audiences.

Additional AI agents are currently in pilot phase. These include a Pharmamonitor agent to track competitor budgets and messages, a Media Advisor agent for data-based recommendations on media placements and channel budgets using WEFRA benchmarks, and a focus group simulation agent that uses customer information to create target-group personas.

Positioning as an integrated healthcare communications partner

With the new role and the expanded innovation structure, WEFRA LIFE aims to reinforce its position as an integrated partner for healthcare communications. The focus is on combining creation, media, data and technology into market-ready solutions.