Chairman of The Geier Group, Philip H. Geier is a dedicated communications industry leader and activist who defined the modern advertising holding company, and is widely recognized for having championed and personally embodied the client-centric business model.   Following his retirement from The Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), Geier formed The Geier Group LLC in 2001, to provide consulting/advisory services in marketing, communications and venture capital. 

Geier’s distinguished advertising career started when he joined McCann-Erickson in 1958; rising through the ranks quickly, he was named Vice Chairman of the parent company, Interpublic, in 1975, then President and COO two years later, and finally at the young age of 45 he was named Chairman and CEO in 1980.  He retired from this position at the end of December 2000 and serves as Chairman Emeritus. 

Over the 20 years under Geier’s leadership, Interpublic grew from revenues of $500M and 8,000 employees to a truly global enterprise with 650 offices in 127 countries, with revenues of $5.6B and 50,000 employees.  He shepherded the continued growth of McCann, but also oversaw the acquisitions of Campbell-Ewald, SSC&B and Lintas, the Lowe Group, Draft, Deutsch, Shandwick and many others that comprise the Interpublic Group today.  His business model became the blueprint of other global networks.  His unswerving focus on his clients’ concerns changed the model of the effective account person.  During his tenure as CEO, Interpublic stock experienced a compound growth rate of over 22 percent. 

But Geier’s career was not only about insightful business decisions.  His dedication to activism and strong support of the advertising industry were instrumental in protecting the industry’s interests.  In addition, Geier served as Chairman of the Ad Council, was an active member of the Business Council, created economic stimulus proposals for three administrations and served on a number of government task forces. 

After retirement, Geier continues to be deeply engaged in a number of charitable causes.  He serves as trustee for the boards of Autism Speaks, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Save the Children Federation, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.  He also serves on the Board of Overseers for Columbia University Business School and as an avid tennis player, sits on the board of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  Additionally, he continues to serve as director on the boards of AEA Investors Inc. and Fiduciary Trust International Inc. and is a Senior Advisor at Lazard Frères & Co. LLC.  He recently retired as director from the boards of Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Foot Locker Inc. and Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. 

Phil Geier has been married to his wife Faith, with whom he has two daughters and four grandchildren, for over forty years.