West Des Moines-based employment agency Palmer Group announced Monday that President David Leto has been promoted to chief executive officer. According to a news release, the newly created position is part of Palmer Group’s strategic growth plan as the business continues to expand its service locations and offerings.

Leto joined Palmer Group in 2004 and has served in multiple roles. In 2017 he was promoted to his previous position as president, succeeding founder Austin Palmer. His promotion to CEO was effective Jan. 20.

As CEO, Leto is working with the board of directors and executive leadership team on growth-focused business initiatives.

“Over any type of vision or strategy, making decisions that are in the best interest of our employee-owners is of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to investing my time into enhancing our positive company culture, building our talent structure, and implementing a road map of long-term success for Palmer Group,” Leto said in a prepared statement.