Excelsior Printing Names New CEO
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Burns, 45, has a successful history leading the strategic growth of businesses in competitive industries and has been working with Excelsior on its long-term prospects.
"For the past 18 months, I have enjoyed the privilege of working with David Crane and the team at Excelsior as the company developed its growth strategy in a difficult economic climate, culminating in the acquisition of Oatmeal Studios in January," said Burns. "During this time, I have become increasingly excited about the growth prospects for the company and the opportunities within our industry of commercial printing and specialty publishing. Excelsior has terrific people, the ability to create beautiful products, and an enduring commitment to excellence. Indeed, Excelsior lives up to its name and I am excited to become a part of it."
Burns founded Stepping Stone Capital Partners LLC, of which he was managing director. He previously held leadership positions in several companies in the information technology, e-commerce, targeted marketing and publishing fields. He is a pioneer in online publishing and advertising as the founder of AdOne Classified Network, which later became PowerOne Media. As CEO there, Burns built the largest network of local media and advertising websites in North America, attracting investors such as Hearst Corp., Newhouse/Advance, Venrock Associates and the Pritzer family.
Excelsior has been steadily building its menu of capabilities in addition to print and mail, and Burns will help in creating and executing strategies for continued growth.
"Brendan is a great addition to our team. His real world experience running businesses, combined with his academic and consulting knowledge, gives him a unique ability to deliver creative and innovative solutions to help our customers," said board Chairman David Crane. "I'm confident he will play a key leadership role as Excelsior continues to evolve and grow."
Burns earned his master of business administration in corporate finance and entrepreneurship from Columbia University and his bachelor's from Fordham University. Since 2004, he has been an adjunct professor in the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship at Columbia's Graduate Business School and serves on the advisory board of the Lang Fund, which invests in promising student-originated startups. A native of upstate New York, Burns now lives in Richmond with his wife of 16 years and three children.
Founded in 1892 and "reborn" in 2005, Excelsior on Roberts Drive is dedicated to providing its customers with creative, cost-effective printing, digital communications, mail and distribution programs that provide a competitive edge. For more information: www.excelsiorprinting.com or Julianne Fruscio at jwfruscio@excelsiorprinting.com.
