LONDON — Ruder Finn has appointed Neil McGregor-Paterson as head of healthcare for its European hub in London.

McGregor-Paterson replaces Katy Compton-Bishop, who has left the firm after 11 years, having joined as a director in 2007 from Euro RSCG.

He is tasked with building on a year of growth for the agency’s healthcare business and helping clients to navigate the political and economic shifts they are facing.

McGregor-Paterson has worked in health and wellbeing comms for more than 30 years, including as a director at Porter Novelli, Chandler Chicco, Weber Shandwick and Omnicom’s Paradigm Communications. He has also worked in-house for market access and patient and community organisations, including as director of communications for New NHS Alliance.

Ruder Finn’s UK managing director Nick Leonard said: “Neil’s mix of agency experience and real-world expertise will help us take our proposition to the next level. Neil is exactly the right person to ensure we maintain momentum, continue to enhance our proposition and deliver the highest-quality services to our clients.”

McGregor-Paterson said: “The agency’s forward-thinking approach, and ability to react quickly and decisively to change, is essential in times like these. These foundations will allow me to bring new thinking and compelling services to our current and future clients.”