MINNEAPOLIS — Spong founder Doug Spong plans to step down from his role as president emeritus, a few months after appointing Julie Batliner as head of the firm. 

In October, Batliner — who has been with the Interpublic Group-owned firm for 10 years — was appointed president, reporting into Mike Lescarbeau, CEO of the ad firm Carmichael Lynch, also part of IPG. At that time, founder Spong moved to a president emeritus role.

Batliner has been credited for several new business wins at Spong, including Arla Foods, Formica Corporation, Jennie-O Turkey Store, the Schwan Food Company and US Bank.

The Minnesota Star Tribune  reported this weekend that Spong plans to step down at the end of the year, after ushering Batliner into her new role. He also plans to leave his role as managing partner of Carmichael Lynch.

"I'm grateful for 25 years of working with the best staff, partners and clients — past as present," Spong said. "I love the PR profession and the intellectual and creative challenges it offers, and I look forward to continuing in a leadership role in 2016."

He did not specify what leadership role he'll take on next year.