BusinessWireMERGE, a leading marketing and technology agency at the crossroads of health and wellness, has announced two high-impact leadership appointments aimed at driving its next phase of integrated growth and innovation. The additions of Heidi West as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and John Bracey as Chief Data and Performance Officer (CDPO) mark a significant evolution in MERGE’s executive strategy, reinforcing its mission to deliver AI-powered, data-informed, and human-centric experiences for clients in both healthcare and consumer sectors.
These leadership moves come as part of a broader transformation under CEO Stephanie Trunzo, as MERGE positions itself as the go-to agency partner for brands looking to thrive in a connected, health-conscious, and data-driven world.
Leadership Appointments and Strategic Direction
1. Heidi West Named Chief Revenue Officer
- Experience and Industry Reach:
- Over 30 years of leadership in healthcare sales and technology.
- Previous roles at Zoom (health division), Cisco, Nutanix, and Booz Allen.
- Deep healthcare client experience, including Mount Sinai, Stanford Health Care, CommonSpirit Health, and more.
- Vision for MERGE:
- West aims to bridge healthcare and consumer verticals by deploying data- and AI-led solutions that improve patient and user engagement.
- Emphasizes trusted, relatable strategies that merge human understanding with cutting-edge tech.
- Advocacy and Leadership:
- A strong supporter of women in technology and STE(A)M initiatives.
- Known for building high-performing, strategically aligned sales teams.
- CEO Commentary:
- Stephanie Trunzo highlighted West’s sincerity and healthcare acumen as catalysts for the firm’s client success.
2. John Bracey Joins as Chief Data and Performance Officer
- Track Record in Data-Led Transformation:
- Former EVP at Publicis Groupe, where he led analytics for major healthcare and consumer brands.
- Recognized for engineering insight-driven strategies and performance modeling.
- Approach to Data and Strategy:
- Bracey advocates for an audience-first, outcome-oriented philosophy, transforming complex datasets into actionable insights.
- Plans to deliver automated, predictive, and measurable solutions that blend with creative and tech at MERGE.
- Strategic Value:
- Seen as the engine to power personalized experiences and marketing ROI.
- Will help MERGE elevate its performance modeling and media optimization across channels.
- CEO Perspective:
- Trunzo described Bracey’s data expertise as “electricity that runs through our creative and tech implementations.”
Executive Team Expansion Reflects Growth Vision
- Broader Leadership Buildout in 2025:
- These appointments follow recent hires including:
- Stephanie Trunzo as CEO
- Erica Denner as Chief People Officer
- Kyle Smith as Chief Technology Officer
- Paul Buranosky as Chief Marketing Officer
- Chris Esposito as Chief Financial Officer
- These appointments follow recent hires including:
- Strategic Implications:
- Represents MERGE’s commitment to growth through integration, blending:
- Human insight
- AI and data science
- Digital experience and creative storytelling
- Represents MERGE’s commitment to growth through integration, blending:
- Cross-Industry Focus:
- MERGE continues to expand across both healthcare and consumer domains, helping brands like GE Healthcare, Abbott, T-Mobile, Meta, and Coach connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
The strategic appointments of Heidi West and John Bracey at MERGE signify more than just executive changes—they embody the agency’s commitment to data-driven, AI-enhanced, and human-centered innovation. As the agency deepens its focus on the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and consumer behavior, this leadership evolution positions MERGE to not only meet market demand but redefine what integrated marketing looks like in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Through its growing team of specialists and its blend of technology, creativity, and empathy, MERGE is setting a bold new standard for marketing agencies in the health and wellness ecosystem.
