IHI Names New Vice President of Corporate Communications
Cullen moves to advisory role; Pyden named to head function
DETROIT, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Ilitch Holdings, Inc. today said Karen Cullen will move from her current position as vice president of Corporate Communications to a senior advisory role with the Ilitch companies effective February 1, 2010. She will remain president of Ilitch Charities. Succeeding Cullen as vice president of Corporate Communications for Ilitch Holdings, Inc. will be Thomas J. Pyden, who recently retired after a 26-year career in public relations and communications with General Motors. Pyden will report to Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
"Karen is a strong asset to our organization," said Ilitch. "She is a consummate professional and under her leadership, we have made great strides in our ability to communicate with our many stakeholders, both internally and externally. I'm pleased that she will continue to provide expertise and guidance to our businesses and owners on a broad range of topics and that she will continue to lead Ilitch Charities.
"At the same time, we are very happy to have Tom joining our team," Ilitch added. "His communications experience and community ties will be a benefit to our entire organization. It's a win-win for all involved."
"I'm extremely proud of the team that we've built and what we've accomplished during the last five years," said Cullen. "I'm happy that I can now continue to work with an outstanding organization and also have time to focus on my family and other interests I have in the community. I worked with Tom at GM and am pleased that, given his broad range of experience and strong relationships with and understanding of the media, he will step into this role and continue to move the Ilitch communications team forward. His availability made the timing perfect for this transition."
Cullen joined Ilitch Holdings, Inc. in September 2005. Prior to that, she served in a variety of senior communications and public relations positions with Delphi Corporation and General Motors.
Most recently, Pyden was vice president of GM North America Communications. In that role he was responsible for directing the internal and external product publicity and business news efforts of a nationwide staff. Prior to that, Pyden was the executive director of Corporate Communications, playing a key role in developing GM's strategic messaging and overseeing the speech writing staff responsible for the company's top five executives. Pyden joined GM in 1984 and worked at its Chevrolet division; Dallas, TX and Washington, DC regional offices; and other corporate positions over his career. Pyden earned a bachelor's degree in Education with a Journalism major from the University of Michigan. He is a Detroit native and resides in Novi. Pyden has two grown children.
About Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Ilitch Holdings, Inc. provides professional services to the companies owned by Michael and/or Marian Ilitch. The Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kits Fundraising Program, Champion Foods and Uptown Entertainment. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel.
SOURCE Ilitch Holdings, Inc
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