RKCR/Y&R has named Priya Patel to serve as its managing director. Patel, who was previously managing partner at RKCR/Y&R, will continue to run a portfolio of client business, oversee the agency operations and will report to Jon Sharpe who took over as CEO in December 2015.

Vicky Jacobs, managing director since 2014, is taking time out of the agency for health reasons. 

Patel has been at RKCR/Y&R for 10 years and during her time at the agency has led and helped create award-winning campaigns for accounts including Virgin Money, Volvic, BBC, Bank of Scotland, TUI and M&S.

Patel was integral to the team that launched Virgin Media and was responsible for the lauded campaign “Fantastic Journey.” She also ran the M&S account between 2012-2016 helping to launch the multi award-winning M&S Food campaign “Adventures in...” and the highly acclaimed “Leading Ladies” campaign.

Previously, Patel was new business director when RKCR/Y&R was topping the new business league tables between 2010-2012.