Leadership at Lewis Communications has transitioned from long-term CEO Larry Norris to a new ownership group composed of eight senior managers from the firm’s three branches in Mobile, Birmingham and Nashville.
Ellen Praytor Faulkner, most recently senior vice president and managing director of the firm, is the new CEO. Other shareholders, all executive vice presidents, are Carlton Wood, Jake Fagan, Gary Brandon, Spencer Till, Val Holman, Ken Wilson and Robert Froedge.
Norris, affiliated with the firm for four decades and most recently CEO, led the firm from its Mobile roots into Birmingham and Nashville, developing a firm with 130 associates and $100 million in marketing investment annually.
“I’ve been fortunate to spend my entire career with Lewis,” says Norris, “and I couldn’t be more proud of our team and the growth they’ve achieved for our clients and Lewis. But with growth and opportunity, comes change. And today, I’m pleased to announce our new ownership and transition plans.”
Norris selected the leadership team to succeed him and they selected Faulkner as the firm’s fourth CEO.
“I’m profoundly honored to be named CEO,” Faulkner says. “Collectively, these partners represent over 185 years at Lewis. We are a strong team, and we are fully committed to expanding the legacy and success of our firm and clients.”
Lewis specializes in improving the financial impact of marketing, working with clients in the health care, banking, business-to-business and direct-to-consumer marketplaces.
