MAHF to Induct Stapor and von Plato in February
Industry leaders Ed Stapor and Alexandra von Plato will join the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame at a February awards ceremony.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Healthcare
The Medical Advertising Hall of Fame will induct Ed Stapor and Alexandra von Plato into its 2027 class during a black-tie dinner in New York City on February 11, 2027. The organization recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the medical advertising profession.
Why it matters
These inductions honor decades of leadership in the health marketing sector, highlighting the professional trajectories of figures who shaped major agency networks. The recognition serves to memorialize significant executive influence within the specialized medical advertising industry.
The Medical Advertising Hall of Fame, founded in 1996, has inducted 98 honorees to date. Ed Stapor concluded a 33-year tenure at Havas Health in 2026, while Alexandra von Plato managed 17 agency brands across seven countries at Publicis Health.
The players
Ed Stapor
He is a veteran health marketing executive who maintained a 33-year tenure at Havas Health before retiring in 2026.
Alexandra von Plato
She served as the CEO and chairwoman of Publicis Health for several years and joined the Deerfield Group board in 2026.
Medical Advertising Hall of Fame
This professional organization was founded in 1996 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical advertising industry.
The details
The upcoming ceremony will take place at The Pierre in New York City. The Hall of Fame honors leaders who have significantly impacted the field through their long-term executive service and strategic management at major health advertising agencies.
Timeline
The Medical Advertising Hall of Fame was founded in 1996.
Ed Stapor retired from Havas Health in June 2026.
Alexandra von Plato joined the Deerfield Group board of directors in 2026.
The annual black-tie awards dinner will be held on February 11, 2027.
Market Landscape
The 2027 induction of Ed Stapor and Alexandra von Plato extends the professional legacy established by the 98 previous honorees of the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame. This recognition highlights the long-term executive shifts within major advertising agency networks.
Industry professionals and clients working with health advertising firms may see increased focus on the legacy and leadership styles of these recognized executives. The event highlights major changes in corporate management among firms that influence how medical products reach consumers.
The takeaway
These industry awards reflect the significant impact long-term leadership has on the trajectory of medical advertising networks. Professionals in the field can monitor these high-level executive transitions to understand broader shifts in agency management.
What happens next
The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the black-tie awards dinner on February 11, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest professional developments in the New York City Healthcare sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media.
