Real Chemistry Appoints New Leaders to Drive Innovation and Global Scale

July 16, 2025 at 08:00 AM EDT

JJ Schmuckler appointed to company’s executive leadership team; named Group President and Chief Revenue Officer
Michele Terra appointed to President, 21GRAMS
Brenna Terry joins as a President in Integrated Communications

Real Chemistry, a global leader in healthcare marketing and communications, today announced three strategic leadership appointments as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to attract transformative talent to fuel growth, spark innovation and redefine what’s possible for clients across healthcare’s dynamic ecosystem.

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Real Chemistry welcomes JJ Schmuckler, Michele Terra and Brenna Terry.

“As we enter our next chapter of growth, we’re bringing the full breadth of our capabilities to clients around the globe – more strategically, more cohesively and with greater impact. Clients want deeper integration, global reach and smarter, more collaborative partnerships,” said Shankar Narayanan, CEO of Real Chemistry. “To meet this moment, we’re investing in talent that drives results and reimagines how we deliver impact – through AI, analytics and creativity. We help our clients create transformative moments through powerful storytelling at the intersection of science and patient care.”

JJ Schmuckler named Group President, Chief Revenue Officer

With nearly two decades of experience driving growth and transformation across the WPP network, Schmuckler brings deep expertise in client leadership, business development and creative strategy. He joins Real Chemistry from VML, where he served as global chief growth officer. At VML, Schmuckler led business development efforts across an international 30,000-person network, and he was instrumental in securing and expanding partnerships with major healthcare brands in the pharma and biotech space. He played a key role in driving major growth opportunities for both VML and the broader WPP network. Schmuckler will serve on Real Chemistry’s Executive Leadership Team and report to CEO Shankar Narayanan.

In this newly created role, Schmuckler will partner closely on the firm’s largest client partnerships to unlock new opportunities and deliver meaningful impact. His cross-functional approach and track record of scaling global operations will help deepen client partnerships and drive value across Real Chemistry’s portfolio and its growing international network.

“Real Chemistry is all about momentum through an unabashed focus on all things health,” said Schmuckler. “The network is at a pivotal point in its growth – a moment fueled by incredible energy and progress. From the firm’s Cannes Lion wins to its top industry rankings, to its demonstrated sense of purpose. I’m excited by the opportunity to harness that momentum to build long-term client partnerships, expand our business globally and create meaningful career opportunities for our people.”

Michele Terra appointed as President, 21GRAMS

In her new role as President of 21GRAMS, Terra will lead business operations, client and account management, and project execution. She will focus on scaling the agency’s impact, strengthening team collaboration, and delivering standout creative experiences that move both clients and audiences.

Terra has more than two decades of experience in advertising, medical communications and client leadership and a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering growth through client-centric strategies. Prior to joining Real Chemistry, she was a senior executive at Omnicom for over 14 years, where she was President of the Healthcare Consultancy Group. Terra joined Real Chemistry in 2024 and played a pivotal role in establishing the firm’s Global Client Lead model, aligning cross-functional teams around client needs and strategic growth. She has deep industry knowledge, operational savvy and a leadership style rooted in candor, creativity and collaboration.

Brenna Terry joins as a new President in Integrated Communications

Terry joins Real Chemistry from Burson, where she served as Global Chair of Healthcare, leading a 1,000-person practice across 50 countries and launching new capabilities, including Decipher Health AI and Gen Z Health. Over her 25+ year career, she also served as Global Client Lead for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson and played a key role in post-merger integration. Previously, she led enterprise engagement and executive communications for Janssen North America, helping unify the voice of the company and elevate its leadership.

At Real Chemistry, Terry will strengthen Integrated Communications capabilities, drive new business growth, and help clients address complex health challenges through audience intelligence and creative strategy. With her deep experience on both the agency and client side, she brings a valuable perspective to Real Chemistry, helping it evolve its offerings and earn trust at every stage of engagement.

“Our ability to attract leaders like JJ, Brenna and Michele, in the midst of the industry transformation that is happening, speaks to Real Chemistry’s strength and potential,” said Narayanan. “With them, we’re accelerating our ability to drive impact on a global scale through smarter strategy, stronger collaboration and the brightest minds in the business.”

About Real Chemistry

Real Chemistry is a trusted partner to the world’s most successful life sciences and healthcare companies. As a leading provider of AI-powered audience analytics and insights, we help the healthcare industry better understand, reach and engage patients and professionals using bold ideas to create human-centric healthcare experiences. Anchored by our culture of innovation and boundless creativity, our 2,000+ experts across the life sciences, marketing communications and technology enable modern medical therapies and those they were designed to help, meet and exceed their potential.

Learn more at www.realchemistry.com.