Fingerpaint Group, a powerhouse in the independent healthcare marketing space, announced a landmark leadership restructuring Wednesday, elevating a trio of long-term veterans to steer the company through its next phase of global expansion.
The announcement marks a significant turning point for the agency: founder Ed Mitzen, who started the firm in 2008, is stepping down from the day-to-day helm to serve as an active board member. Taking his place as Chief Executive Officer is Bill McEllen, the former global president and a longtime steward of the company’s “people-first” culture.
In an industry where high-level leadership often shifts between competing agencies, Fingerpaint’s decision to promote entirely from its internal bench is being hailed as a validation of its long-term culture-building.
“We didn’t need to look outside these walls,” founder Ed Mitzen said. “The leaders we needed were already here, already proven, and already trusted by our client partners and colleagues alike. That’s the result of intentional succession planning.”
The new leadership lineup includes:
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Bill McEllen (CEO): Previously global president, McEllen has been a key driver of Fingerpaint’s partner relationships and cultural standards.
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Mark Willmann (group president): Promoted from President of Marketing Services, Willmann now oversees all three core segments: Marketing Services, Medical, and Market Access. His background combines scientific expertise with business strategy.
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Tracy Blackwell (president, Marketing Services): A 9-year veteran of the firm, Blackwell rises from Managing Director to lead the company’s largest operating segment.
The promotions follow the most successful financial year in Fingerpaint’s history. The company reported record-breaking revenue in 2025, fueled largely by the “Big Three” therapeutic areas: Oncology, Immunology, and Neurology, which now account for 50% of all revenue.
Fingerpaint Group’s current market footprint is formidable:
- Top-tier partnerships: Partners with 22 of the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies.
- Client base: Nearly 200 active clients.
- Revenue concentration: Over 60% of revenue now originates from Top 50 Pharma firms.
“Ed built something that most agency founders never achieve: a company with a genuine soul,” McEllen said. “My job is to scale that while making sure the standard of work that got us here drives our growth. We are just getting started.”
Headquartered in Cedar Knolls, Fingerpaint Group continues to be a major employer and economic driver in New Jersey’s life sciences corridor.
