Litzky Public Relations (LPR), an award-winning communications agency renowned for connecting brands with kids and families, celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2023. The milestone year will also begin the agency’s next chapter as Founder and CEO Michele Litzky announces her retirement and the agency’s President, Josslynne Welch, who has managed agency operations since 2018, becomes sole proprietor.
“When I started LPR, I had an education from some of the best in the toy business and a love of the industry that remains today,” said Michele Litzky, founder of the agency that continues to bear her name. “As I move into my next chapter, I’m leaving my firm in the most capable hands I know, with Josslynne Welch. Her diversification into other business sectors that service kids and families and her continued commitment to the toy industry makes me equally proud and excited to see where she’s taking LPR next.”
“I’ve dedicated my career to building Litzky PR into a strong, successful modern communications agency and ownership is a natural next step,” said Josslynne Welch. “My team is stacked with passionate, tenured employees and talented, rising stars; together we will honor and build on Michele’s legacy.”
The agency was founded in 1988 when Michele recognized an opportunity to apply her PR and niche marketing experience working with consumer packaged goods to children’s toys. In the spring of 1998, while teaching an introductory PR class at New York University, Michele met Josslynne who began an internship that summer. For the next 25 years, the two worked together to build Litzky Public Relations into a leading full-service communications agency.
From serving legacy clients such as Hasbro to current partners Pokémon, KidKraft, Horizon, Cepia, and schleich, Litzky PR has deep roots in the toy industry. In recent years, the agency has leveraged its expertise talking to families to diversify and expand its portfolio to include publishing, live entertainment, footwear, apparel, and bicycles with current clients including Disney Publishing Worldwide, National Geographic Books, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Kamik, Schwinn, Ageless Innovation, and American Mensa. In addition to consumer brands, business-to-business clients include Sony Pictures Consumer Products, The Toy Association, and Licensing International.
“Our heart will always be in the toy industry; it’s where LPR got its start,” Welch continued. “I take great pride in our heritage and there is endless opportunity as we continue to diversify across industries that talk to kids and families.”
Under Josslynne’s leadership, LPR has expanded its services to meet evolving industry and client needs. From strategy and positioning to integrated campaigns, affiliate PR to influencer marketing, clients continue to come to LPR for smart counsel, a results-focused team, and exceptional client service.
Michele will continue her work with Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy through Michele Litzky Consulting.