In my 35 years at Franco, I’ve experienced a lot of growth and changes with our team and client services. While I’ve had my fair share of exciting and inspiring moments, I can’t think of another time that compares to how energized, motivated and hopeful I’m feeling today about the future of Franco.
After more than 25 years of leading Franco as CEO, I have some exciting news to share about Franco’s leadership team. Tina Kozak, formerly Franco’s president, has been promoted to CEO. Tina Benvenuti Sullivan, formerly executive vice president and COO, has been promoted to president and COO. I will assume the role as chairman, focusing more on stakeholder relations, strategic alliances and overall performance (with less focus on day-to-day programming).
I’m proud that we’ve been a champion of promoting women to leadership roles for many years, and with these latest leadership changes, we’re further engraining Franco as the top female-led integrated communications agency in Michigan.
Tina Kozak joined Franco in 2007, and I couldn’t be more impressed with her growth. She was promoted to president seven years ago and has done an incredible job fostering client relationships, building a data-driven, people-powered agency and being an inspirational leader.
Fun fact: one of Tina Kozak’s first hires was Tina Sullivan, who joined the agency in 2011. Over the past several years, I’ve charged the pair with building a high performing team to help Franco evolve during dynamic times in our industry. Needless to say, they delivered.
“The Tinas”, as I often fondly refer to them, worked in tandem to build our incredible team and culture. And thanks to them, we’ve achieved aggressive objectives for employee development, service excellence for our clients and company performance – which has positioned us well for achieving our 2025 strategic vision.
This elevation in leadership roles for Tina and Tina has been a work-in-progress for several years. After more than 10 years working together as Franco’s core leadership group, I’m confident that now is the right time for this leadership evolution.
In her new role as CEO, Tina Kozak will lead Franco in its values, culture and vision. She will continue working with clients on strategic planning and crisis management, as well as oversee the company’s branding, marketing and business development initiatives.
As president and COO, Tina Sullivan will ensure operational excellence for employees, clients and the agency. She will oversee Franco’s leadership team and direct talent development, while supporting the firm’s scalability and expansion efforts.
I am beyond excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead not only for me, Tina and Tina, but for our entire agency. We have big plans for 2021 and beyond!
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Dan Ponder is now the chairman at Franco. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
