Arkansas Business Publishing Group, parent company of Arkansas Business, Little Rock Soirée, Arkansas Bride, Greenhead, Flex360 and 25 other specialty publications and digital products, on Tuesday announced a strategic leadership realignment as part of its long-range growth plan.
As part of that shift, longtime Soirée publisher Mandy Richardson was named president of the company’s consumer media division effective in January.
“We see significant growth opportunities ahead — both in strengthening the products that have built our reputation and in developing and acquiring new revenue initiatives that will carry us through the next decade,” said Mitch Bettis, president and CEO of ABPG. “Reaching these goals requires sustained leadership focus. Mandy is uniquely equipped to guide our consumer brands as we grow.”
Richardson to Lead Company’s Largest Revenue Division
The company’s consumer division includes Little Rock Soirée, Arkansas Bride, Arkansas Next, Next Pros and many other print and digital offerings. It also includes Flex360, a leading digital marketing and web design company, and 360West, the luxury lifestyle brand in Fort Worth that was the company’s most recent acquisition.
Richardson will continue to serve as publisher of Soirée while taking on broader leadership of the division and its publishers. She will work closely with operations and product leaders to strengthen performance across print, digital, events and emerging revenue lines.
“Mandy is one of the strongest operators and brand leaders in our company,” Bettis said. “Her understanding of the audiences and her ability to drive both creative and financial results will be essential as we continue to grow.”
Bettis to Lead Major Diversification Initiative
Bettis will continue as president and CEO of the company, publisher of Arkansas Business and head of the business media division.
Beginning in 2026, his primary strategic focus will be leading the company’s next stage of growth initiatives, including the development and acquisition of new products.
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