Praytell Announces Leadership Change with Andy Pray Handing Reins to Longtime President and Agency Leader Beth Cleveland

NEW YORK CITY, NY — 8.26.25 — Praytell, the award-winning creative communications agency, announced today the appointment of Beth Cleveland, longtime executive leader and current President, as CEO, effective immediately. She brings over 15 years of agency leadership experience, a deep understanding of Praytell’s values, and a track record of operational and creative excellence. 

Praytell CEO Andy Pray will step down from his role as the agency enters its next chapter of growth to explore new opportunities. Pray will transition during the month and remain a close supporter and champion of the agency going forward. 

Pray founded Praytell in December 2012 in Brooklyn, NY with a vision of integrated communications that was rare for the industry at the time. In the fall of 2013 Praytell merged with Cleveland's agency Elm PR. Under their leadership, Praytell has expanded to 170 employees in 6 offices around the world, serving clients with award-winning campaigns across five key practices: Sports & Entertainment, Travel, Technology, Imbibe & Dine and Consumer Lifestyle. Praytell is consistently recognized as a modern, dynamic agency that goes beyond traditional PR and marketing to deliver innovative, integrated communications that blend the tried and true with the refreshing and new.

“We are in an incredible position for continued growth and momentum this year — evolving at the speed of change and embracing the future of the industry with a leadership team and investments that will propel us forward,” said Cleveland. “Andy has been a dear friend and collaborator for more than a decade. His fearless creativity and constant push to do things differently have shaped Praytell, and I’m committed to carrying that spirit forward.”

“Praytell is on track for its best year ever, and I know that momentum will only grow with Beth at the helm,” said Pray. “She’s an inspiration and a true friend - a kind, thoughtful leader who’ll lift this agency even higher with resolve and grit. Add it up, it’s the perfect time for me to step aside and start fresh, while cheering on Praytell from the sidelines.”

This year Praytell expanded its offering to keep clients ahead of emerging trends, launching its Influence Department spanning earned, creators and communities and The Remix Era report with YouGov that shed light on emerging media consumption. With AI search influencing the next wave of brand discovery, Praytell will introduce an AI search offering helping brands leverage the unique strength of earned and owned media to increase brand visibility and connect communications to e-commerce results.  

Pray has been a passionate entrepreneur for many years and looks forward to getting back to his love of creating from the ground up with a new venture on the horizon.

Project Worldwide, Praytell’s parent company, supports this transition and is working closely with both Pray and Cleveland to ensure a smooth evolution of leadership and continued momentum across all teams and clients. The network thanks Andy for his leadership over the past many years.

“We’re grateful for all that Andy and Beth have built together and are excited to see Beth step into the CEO role,” said Chris Meyer, CEO of Project Worldwide. “Her leadership, creativity and commitment to Praytell’s people and clients make her the right person to guide the agency into its next era of growth.”

Pray is a recent Campaign 40 Over 40 honoree, joining previous recognition such as PRWeek’s 40 Under 40, Provoke Media’s Innovator 25, and PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year finalist. He recently served on the Board of the PR Council and is a current member of the National Board of Advertising’s advisory panel.

Cleveland has been an entrepreneur and agency leader for nearly her entire career, founding a PR agency at the age of 25 before joining forces to scale Praytell. She was named PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 and recognized as one of Ragan’s Top Women in Marketing, and has been an instrumental leader in Praytell’s award-winning growth and success.

About Praytell‍

Praytell is an award-winning creative communications agency built to earn attention in today’s landscape. We take an earned-first approach that fuses PR, social, influencer and creative into unexpected, culturally inspired ideas. Our “Creative That Earns” methodology blends proven tactics with what’s new and next, delivering campaigns that don’t just spark conversation—they shape culture and drive real impact. With deep expertise across Travel, Technology, Sports & Entertainment, Imbibe & Dine, and Consumer Lifestyle—and new capabilities in AI search—plus a commitment to collaboration and inclusivity, Praytell partners with leading brands like Clairol, Destination Canada, Headspace, Mentos, Peet’s Coffee, Propel and Wayfair to build influence that lasts. Learn more at praytellagency.com.