Crayton Webb, a Dallas TV journalist turned PR pro who led corporate social responsibility and corporate communications efforts for beauty products direct marketing giant Mary Kay, has acquired Dallas-based PR and public affairs firm Sunwest Communications.

Terms of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.

Webb joined Mary Kay in 2005, initially managing government relations before being named director of CSR & corporate communications and later, leading the company’s global media relations, reputation management, PR and crisis communications efforts as vice president.

He was previously chief of staff to Dallas Mayor Laura Miller (2002-05) and communications director for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas after 10 years in TV news, including investigative reporter for KTVT (CBS) 11 in Dallas.

Webb, who now assumes the role of Sunwest CEO, said there will be no changes to the company’s name, address or account teams as a result of the transition. Outgoing CEO Andy Stern will remain involved with the firm in a new senior counsel role.

Sunwest, which was founded in 1982, provides marketing communications, community relations, corporation communications, corporate philanthropy/CSR, creative services, crisis communications, financial PR, media relations, public affairs, social media strategy, special event planning and spokesperson training to clients in the real estate, finance, tech, education and consumer sectors.

“Sunwest has a 35-year legacy of helping clients build trust, increase visibility and tell meaningful stories,” Webb told O’Dwyer’s. “Its reputation, team and client base are extraordinary, thanks to Andy Stern’s leadership and vision over the past three decades. When I considered what the next phase of my career might look like, the opportunity to build upon the foundation set by Andy at Sunwest is one that I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited and honored to continue Sunwest’s legacy and help write its next chapter.”

Jon Gingerich, senior editor
O’Dwyer’s