LITTLE ROCK, AR – November 6, 2024—First Orion, a leader in branded communication and call protection solutions, announced a leadership change today. The company’s CEO, Joe Stinziano, will depart from his role effective November 5. This mutually agreed-upon departure marks the conclusion of over two years of impactful leadership, during which Stinziano played a key role in shaping First Orion’s product and go-to-market strategies.
“We are deeply grateful for Joe’s dedication and contributions to First Orion. His strategic vision and commitment, including significant time spent with partners, have greatly benefited our organization,” said Charles Morgan, Chairman of the Board. “Joe helped pave the way for our growth, bringing invaluable structure to our product solutions that have set us on a strong path forward.”
As First Orion prepares for its next chapter, the company announces leadership responsibilities and promotions to support its continued expansion and innovation. Scott Hambuchen, previously Chief Product Officer, will step into the CEO role, while Jeff Stalnaker, Co-Founder and current CFO, will add the title of President to his responsibilities.
Joe Stinziano added, “I am incredibly proud of all that our team has accomplished over the past two and a half years. Stepping down is not an easy decision, but I am confident that the timing is right for me, my family, and the company. With the new structure in place, First Orion is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of innovation and growth. I am excited about what this talented team will achieve in the future.”
Scott, a 13-year veteran of First Orion, has held a range of senior positions, including CIO and Global MD, and spearheaded the launch of the company’s Dubai office. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing First Orion’s branded calling and call protection solutions, which are recognized as leading technically and commercially in the industry. Jeff, who has held nearly every role over the company’s 16-year history, will continue overseeing financial operations and driving strategic initiatives in his expanded role. With Hambuchen taking on the CEO role, Josh Whitehurst has been promoted to Head of Product. Whitehurst has been with First Orion for over five years and has been a leader in developing branded communication solutions.
With Scott and Jeff’s deep experience and shared commitment to First Orion’s vision, the company is poised for continued growth and innovation, building upon a legacy of trust and excellence with customers, employees, and shareholders.
About First Orion
Since 2008, First Orion has transformed the phone call experience for businesses, carriers, and consumers through its industry-leading communication branding and protection solutions. As the market leader in branded calling, First Orion is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and the largest U.S. mobile carriers. The global telecommunications solutions provider helps businesses generate more revenue, increase efficiency, and improve the customer experience by empowering them to brand their phone calls with their name, logo, and reason for calling. First Orion also provides the industry’s most secure calling experience and best-in-class analytics for call program optimization. For more information, visit firstorion.com
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Lucie Pathmann
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501-772-6108
lpathmann@firstorion.com