LONDON — UK agency TVC Group has hired Becky McKinlay as its new group managing director. She succeeds James Myers, who left in February after 17 years leading the firm, which is owned by The Economist.

McKinlay, who starts on 2 July, joins from WPP, where she was the Team Energy lead for client BP, heading up a global team drawn from across the group’s agencies. She previously ran her own integrated marketing agency, Ambition London, for 12 years, with clients across the technology, entertainment, education and B2B sectors.

In her new role, McKinlay will develop TVC Group’s integrated communications business, including overseeing client services, as well as leading business development across the UK, the US and Asia.

She said: “I’m delighted to be joining TVC at such a pivotal time. It's no secret that clients are looking to their partners to deliver ever greater creativity, agility and innovation. I can't wait to work with the team to grow the agency's capabilities even further, creating exceptional value and impact for our portfolio of clients.”

The Economist publisher and chief operating officer Michael Brunt added: “Becky has a track record of winning, growing and retaining global blue-chip clients. This, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic nous, ensures TVC is set for a bright and exciting future under her leadership.”

The Economist Group acquired TVC Group in 2012 and the agency is increasingly working with The Economist’s client solutions team on pitches and campaigns across research, thought leadership, custom content, media, and events.