Kellen Names New Chairman, President as Company Restructures and Plans for Future Growth

ATLANTA, GA (January 16, 2007) --- Kellen Company, a global professional services firm, and the premier international association management company (AMC), has announced key personnel changes, effective as of January 1, 2007, as the company restructures in anticipation of continued growth. 

Peter Rush, who was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Kellen Company in April 2006, is now Chairman and CEO. In this role he is responsible for the day-to-day executive leadership and management of the company, including the operation of its five worldwide offices and four service divisions. As Chairman, he will oversee Kellen Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Rush joined Kellen Company in 2001, and served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2001-2006. He is based in Kellen’s New York City office.

Robert Gelardi, formerly Chairman of Kellen Company, fills the position of Vice Chairman, as he transitions to his future planned retirement. Based in the company’s Atlanta headquarters, Mr. Gelardi served as Kellen Company’s Chairman and CEO from 1996-2006, as President from 1991-2001, and as Executive Vice President from 1976-1991. He has expanded the company globally, including its meetings management, public relations and related creative and Internet services information activities.

Richard E. Cristol, formerly Executive Vice President, has been promoted to President of Kellen Company. From Kellen’s Washington, DC office, he now oversees the association business conducted in Kellen Company’s four U.S. offices, including the management of Kellen’s meetings and expositions division as well as new business development efforts. Mr. Cristol joined Kellen Company in 1977, and is engaged in a variety of activities on behalf of client associations, including legislative and regulatory representation. 

Kellen Company currently serves more than 100 client associations and 10,000 companies worldwide from its offices in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York City, Tucson and Brussels. Among the services Kellen offers are association management, government affairs, public relations, strategic advice, meetings management, creative communications and Web site development and marketing.

"This restructuring takes place as Kellen prepares to fill the rising demand for professional services from associations and other not-for-profit companies," says Rush. "Over the past nine months, the company’s senior management has instituted several other changes, naming three Group Vice Presidents, developing new knowledge areas such as Technical Services and offering expanded services like Webinars."

Further expansion plans are under way, adds Rush, as the company looks at additional expanded global opportunities.