Singapore: SmartTots, a research initiative sponsored by International Anesthesia Research Society, a non-political medical society that supports anesthesia research and education, has appointed two new executive board members, Mr Ned Russell of Saatchi & Saatchi Health Wellness and Dr Mark C Rogers.

The focus of the SmartTots executive board is to raise awareness and funds for the initiative, which supports anesthesia research to ensure pediatric safety.

"I am thrilled that we have been able to add two such exceptional individuals to the board," stated Dr Michael Roizen, SmartTots executive board chair. "Both Ned and Mark bring skills and resources that will enable us to build awareness of and raise funds for SmartTots."

In 2009, Mr Russell joined Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness (SSW) and now serves as group managing director, overseeing all Saatchi Healthcare operations in New York. Mr Russell joined SSW after working on both the client and agency sides of the marketing business. Previously he was VP of brand marketing for Las Vegas Sands Corporation for which he was a member of its executive committee and operating board.

"I am so pleased to be working with Dr Roizen and the rest of the executive board as well as IARS staff on the SmartTots initiative. Ensuring child safety while under anesthesia or sedation is an important issue that needs to be pursued," shared Mr Russell.