Real Chemistry has appointed Eddie Morton as head of advisory and public affairs for Asia-Pacific, shortly after his departure from GCI Health, where he served as regional managing director.
Based in Singapore, Morton will join Real Chemistry’s global senior leadership team and focus on strengthening the healthcare communications firm’s advisory, corporate reputation and public affairs capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
In his new role, Morton will work with senior healthcare executives on complex business, regulatory, policy and stakeholder issues, helping organisations navigate challenges that extend beyond traditional communications.
The appointment comes as Real Chemistry steps up its APAC expansion following its acquisition of Singapore-based Spurwing Communications in July. The deal established Singapore as the US-headquartered company’s first strategic hub in the region and expanded its capabilities in integrated communications, medical affairs and strategic consulting.
Real Chemistry already operates globally across areas including analytics, medical communications and advertising. Following the Spurwing acquisition, the company indicated that it planned additional hiring and market expansion as it developed its APAC hub and affiliate network.
Morton left GCI Health earlier this month after joining the agency from Sandpiper in March 2025. He subsequently assumed responsibility for the agency’s Asia-Pacific regional leadership following the departure of longtime APAC president Rikki Jones, who moved to AstraZeneca as head of communications for International & EUCA.
At GCI Health, Morton oversaw regional growth and operations, working with market leaders and specialists across communications, public affairs and medical strategy.
Prior to joining GCI Health, Morton spent more than three years with Sandpiper, where he most recently served as deputy general manager and co-lead for healthcare in Asia-Pacific.
His earlier career includes a stint as head of policy and communications at Australia’s Members Health Fund Alliance, as well as journalism roles with Nikkei Asian Review and the South China Morning Post.
Morton’s appointment comes as Real Chemistry expands its global advisory proposition. Earlier this year, the company launched RC Resolve, a dedicated offering covering policy and public affairs, corporate strategy and reputation, issues and crisis management, executive communications and organisational transformation.
Real Chemistry’s Asia-Pacific expansion is being led by Emma Thompson, founder of Spurwing Communications, who became president of APAC growth following the acquisition. Thompson reports to group president of international growth Kath Harrison.
The appointment of Morton adds further senior expertise to Real Chemistry’s regional leadership as the company builds out its healthcare-focused advisory and public affairs business across APAC.
