Ted Deutsch has been named the CEO of Taft Communications and the majority owner in the firm, it was announced this week.
The announcement caps a strong 2020 that saw double-digit growth and a repositioning of the almost 40-year-old firm — which is focused on communications that support purpose and impact.
Since its 1983 founding by the wife-and-husband team of Mara Connolly and Pete Taft, the Lawrenceville-based firm feels it has helped businesses and nonprofits realize the power of their core purpose to make a difference — not just to customers and stakeholders, but deep within their organizations.
Deutsch, who joined the firm as a consultant in 2012, said he was excited by the opportunity.
“It’s an honor to accept the leadership mantle from my partners, who have won so many decades of success for clients by doing things that matter,” he said. “Our growing, diverse and talented team today — combined with strong, purpose-focused work — makes me more excited than ever about building on the reputation and legacy that Mara and Pete created.”
Deutsch joined Taft after two decades in agency and corporate communications positions, including as vice president of communications and public affairs for Sandoz Inc. and Avis-Budget Group. Other career highlights prior to Taft include leading communications for Realogy, move.com and operating his own Princeton-based firm for four years.
Deutsch, who earned an B.A. in history from Princeton University and M.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University, has served as president of Taft since 2014 and became a minority owner in 2018.
Pete Taft was excited to make the announcement.
“We first met Ted as a friendly competitor over a decade ago and, ever since, have enjoyed a partnership in every sense of the word,” he said. “Ted has led the threefold growth of our Taft Communications business and we are thrilled about the continued vitality of the firm under his leadership.”
Connolly agreed.
“Pete and I saw in Ted someone who shared our values, our vision, our philosophy about the world — and our sense of humor,” she said. “The Taft management team is committed to curiosity and creativity, making a rewarding and fun environment for our own team, and remaining 100% focused on the client’s idea of success.
“We can’t wait to see how he and the team move us forward.”
Connolly and Taft will remain on Taft’s board, with Connolly contributing creative counsel on select projects, and Taft continuing to provide leadership communications counsel to C-suite executives.
The Taft senior leadership team also includes VPs Connie Ludwin and Jayne O’Connor and Chief Financial Officer Mark S. McNulty.
