BCW North America EVP and healthcare practice lead Rachi Govil will exit the agency September 1 after 18 years.
EVP and head of digital Vicky Lewko and EVP Nina Scherr have been named managing directors and interim co-leaders of the healthcare practice, effective immediately.
Scherr reports to Mary Corcoran, BCW president of North America, and Lewko reports to Corcoran and global chief innovation officer and global president of digital Chad Latz in her capacity as head of digital health.
“[Lewko] has long been a leader within the practice and helped establish the best digital healthcare team in the business. [Scherr] has been a leader in the practice for the last three years and is a consummate client counselor,” Corcoran said via email. “I’m very grateful to [Lewko] and [Scherr] for stepping up to steer the ship while we search for a new leader.”
BCW is actively interviewing candidates for a new North America healthcare practice leader and plans to bring in “marquee talent” to continue the practice’s “legacy of excellence,” according to Corcoran.
Govil did not immediately respond to comment about potential next steps.
Since 2018, Govil has led BCW’s healthcare practice, serving as EVP and healthcare practice lead for New York before transitioning to North America lead in 2021. Prior to that, she served as deputy practice director.
“[Govil] has spent nearly her entire career with our organization – 18 years – and has been a trusted partner to our clients and our people and helped to build a strong practice,” Corcoran said. “[Govil] has had quite a run with us, and I am grateful for everything she’s contributed to the company.”
SVP of deputy operations Caryn Rothbort has also been promoted to EVP and COO for the healthcare practice. Rothbort reports to Scherr.
Govil is a member of PRWeek’s 2023 Women of Distinction class, 2022 Health Influencer 30 class and 2017 40 under 40 class.
Govil’s departure comes on the heels of Jillian Janaczek’s move to Porter Novelli, taking over as CEO for the Omnicom firm earlier this month. Janaczek previously served as president of BCW New York where she managed healthcare, consumer and corporate practices before leaving in May. BCW Group reported a revenue increase of 9% to $812 million globally and an increase of 6% to $387 million in the U.S. in 2022, according to PRWeek’s 2023 Agency Business Report.
In January, BCW CEO Donna Imperato announced her retirement, with Corey duBrowa taking over as head of the global firm at the beginning of August.
This article originally appeared on PRWeek US.
