Fifth generation of family named CEO of SC communications company

A longtime South Carolina company has named a new top executive.

Comporium has elected David Barnes to the role of president and CEO.

Barnes is succeeding his father, Bryant Barnes, and is the fifth generation of the Barnes family to helm the company, according to a news release.

In his new role, Barnes has ultimate responsibility for Comporium’s organization, policies and operations, the release stated. Working within the guidelines set by the company’s board of directors, Barnes will oversee corporate strategy, ensure the achievement of corporate objectives, guide the development of new products and new product lines, guarantee maintenance of quality and profit expectations, and safeguard Comporium’s corporate reputation.

“Speaking as both a shareholder and as a father, I am excited to see the reins pass to David,” said Bryant Barnes, chairman of the board for Comporium, in the release. “I have full confidence in David’s ability to lead us into the future, and I know that his education, experience and corporate knowledge will serve him well in this position. David understands both where we’ve come from and what the future demands.”

David Barnes represents the fifth generation of the Barnes family to assume the leadership role at Rock Hill-based Comporium during the past 113 years, according to the release. He is the great-great-grandson of E.L. and Mary Barnes who purchased the company in 1912. The company has been majority-owned and operated by the Barnes family since that time.

Barnes is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in financial management. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Finance from Winthrop University.

Barnes began his career at Comporium as an intern, working summers, in 2004, the release stated. Before joining Comporium full-time, he worked for The Warren Norman Company and at Bank of America as an Operations Analyst. Since joining Comporium, Barnes has held increasingly influential roles within the company. He has been instrumental in shaping the company’s culture with a focus on process improvement.

Comporium Inc., headquartered in Rock Hill, is a diversified, privately held communications company that employs nearly 900 people and provides broadband, TV, voice, wireless and smart home systems throughout the Carolinas, according to the release. Comporium has been serving communities in the Carolinas for more than 130 years.