Efren Vaca has been promoted to EVP, managing director of Y&R’s Health and Wellness Practice, North America. The announcement comes on the heels of significant growth for the Health and Wellness Practice, which has added $33.5 million in revenue since Y&R global CEO David Sable established the practice two years ago.  

An 18-year Y&R veteran, Vaca has led integrated U.S. and global teams across a wide range of categories and brands such as oncology, autoimmune, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, neurology, women’s health and skincare.  With deep experience in both branded and condition awareness initiatives, Efren has helped build blockbuster brands, expand product portfolios and drive legacy product growth. Vaca will report to Howard Courtemanche, p0resident of Y&R’s Health and Wellness Practice.

In the past couple of years, the Y&R Health and Wellness Practice has won numerous pieces of business, including Allergan, Merck Animal Health, Pfizer consumer and pharma, Sanofi, PhRMA, and project work for NY Presbyterian and Mt. Sinai. As the practice continues to grow, Efren will be handling strategic growth in North America. 

In addition to his health and wellness background, Efren has worked on iconic brands such as AT&T, DuPont, MetLife, Philip Morris, and Poland Spring.