Tom Bernot Named President & COO of Falls & Co.

September 26, 2022

Falls & Co., a leading full-service strategic marketing firm, announced Tom Bernot as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. Founder of the agency, Rob Falls, will become Chairman and will retain his role of Chief Executive Officer. The announcement was made by Falls.

“Our agency has grown exponentially in size and offerings, especially since the acquisitions of Wyse Advertising and the merging of Falls Digital into the parent company of Falls Communications. Expanding our leadership was critical to our continued success and evolution as we align for the future,” said Falls. “Tom is a thinker, collaborator and problem-solver—making him the perfect fit to lead Falls & Co. moving forward.”

Holding diverse positions within corporate, consulting and agency organizations throughout his 25+ year career, Bernot has developed a unique perspective that gives him a 360-degree understanding of businesses. He also understands how marketing and technology can fit into an organization to create better customer experiences that ultimately drive innovation and revenue.

“It was a tremendous honor when Rob tapped me to steward the vision for Falls & Co.’s evolution and future,” said Bernot. “Agencies are only as good as the talent on the team,” he continued. “Rob brought together three separate companies—Falls Communications, Wyse Advertising, and Falls Digital—to form the new Falls & Co. and he then greatly enhanced our brand strategy, analytics and insights capabilities through aggressive recruitment. Ultimately, he has assembled one of the most talented and diverse teams I’ve ever had the opportunity with which to work. It’s no wonder we have such a blue-chip client list.” 

Bernot has held a multitude of marketing roles and titles, including, Global Brand Manager at Swagelok; COO/CMO at an advertising-digital agency; Vice President eCommerce and Digital Marketing at WBC Group; Vice President at Balance Innovation & Design; Vice President at Falls Digital; and most recently Senior Vice President, New Business Development at Falls & Co.

Bernot will play a key role in continuous innovation across the offerings of the agency. He will also connect clients to all aspects of marketing that Falls & Co. has to offer and oversee operations of the firm. In addition, Bernot will continue to focus on new business development.   

“Tom’s depth and breadth of experiences and successes in both corporate and agency settings, combined with using data analytics and solution-based approaches will bring unique insights and perspectives as we continue to solve our client’s challenges,” said Falls. “He has the global experience to see the big picture, but can laser focus on the current situation at hand to make an immediate difference.”     

Bernot is a graduate of John Carroll University and follows the Jesuit tradition of servant leadership, serving on the boards of Catholic Charities, Business Volunteers United (BVU), Metro Catholic Schools and Joseph House. He lives in Kirtland with his wife and three sons.

Falls role will be as a senior counselor and advisor to current clients, attracting new clients, and he will oversee the agency’s culture, vision and mission. He will also continue to be an active member of community boards and organizations and support the marketing, communications and public relations profession.

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ABOUT FALLS & CO.

Falls & Co. is a purpose-driven, full-service, strategic marketing firm that provides solutions to its client’s challenges—large or small. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the agency serves its clients regionally, nationally and internationally through its long-term membership in PROI, the largest group of independent agencies in the world.

Founded in 1989, Falls & Co. has deep expertise and experience in: strategic and senior counseling; marketing and brand building; communications and public relations; social media; advertising, creative and design; media planning and buying; analytics and research; digital transformation; web development; lead generation and online services; corporate communications; crisis and reputation management; civic engagement and public affairs; internal communications; culture and talent marketing; and social impact leadership.

The agency’s mission is To Get People to Listen, Care and Act. It is more than just selling. As a purpose-driven firm, it creates branded experiences and helps its clients with effective messaging and marketing to take a desired action.

Its vision is To Help Every Organization Serve Communities and Make the World a Better Place. Falls & Co. recognizes this a bold statement. Yet, it embodies who the agency truly is, as well as define the type of clients it has and wants to have. With all issues facing the world and business today, why not strive to simply help organizations do the right thing.