KTGY names new CEO as Tricia Esser announces retirement
KTGY, an award-winning national design firm, announced William Bate as the firm’s new Chief Executive Officer. Bate will succeed longtime CEO Trica Esser, who has been with KTGY since the firm’s founding in 1991 and served as CEO since 2006. Esser will continue to serve on KTGY’s Board of Directors as well as a strategic partner and advisor to Bate. In her tenure with KTGY, Esser grew the firm from a single office in Irvine to seven offices across the country.
“I’m so grateful for the last 35 years at KTGY, and look forward to acting as a strategic partner and advisor to Will as he takes on the role of CEO at KTGY,” said Tricia Esser. “We’re confident that he brings the talent, vision and heart needed to guide KTGY into a new era of growth and long‑term success.”
Bate joins KTGY from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he served as Managing Director and Partner and led the North America Real Estate and Cities practice. Bate will be based in the firm’s East Coast office in Washington, D.C.
“I’m honored to join KTGY at such an exciting moment in its journey,” said William Bate, CEO. “This is a firm with a strong legacy and a clear sense of purpose. I look forward to working alongside the team here to shape what’s next and deliver meaningful impact for our clients and communities.”
The firm also announces the elevation of five leaders within the firm; Brad Golba, Joe Hesselbach, Melissa Jaro, Sam Luckino and Zac Miles.
