He will be charged with developing and implementing strategic PR programmes and is responsible for all other aspects of external and stakeholder communications for the new professional leadership body.
Patel will join the RPSGB in mid-December, taking over from Margaret Morgan who has held the role on an interim basis.
A qualified pharmacist, Patel is currently head of communications at the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) where his responsibilities include the development and implementation of public campaigns.
Prior to the NPA he worked in varied management and professional roles for Boots the Chemists.
RPSGB director Howard Duff said: ‘This is a great appointment for the society. Neal has experience of patient facing, management and NHS-based roles combined with experience in media relations. With his excellent network and strong communications credentials he will be a great asset to the organisation as it transforms itself into the new professional body.'
Patel added: ‘I will be working with pharmacists to create more opportunities for their role to be highlighted by the media and I look forward to building on the work of RPSGB to further increase recognition of pharmacists' contribution to people's health.'
