David Geiger is rising to the role of president at the Counselor Top 40 distributorship that bears his last name, marking a fifth generation of family leadership at Geiger (asi/202900).

Jo-an Lantz, who ranks first on Counselor’s Power 50 list of the most influential people in the promotional products industry, had been serving as president/CEO. She’ll continue as CEO with the Lewiston, ME-headquartered global company where she has spent her entire career.

David Geiger, Geiger (asi/202900)

“David brings a deep understanding of Geiger’s values and a progressive approach to our global operations,” said Lantz. “I am proud to be his partner in this important next step for Geiger. His leadership will help steer our team, and brand, into the next chapter while staying true to our values and culture.”

David Geiger will be the sixth president and the fifth from the Geiger family to lead the organization. He officially becomes president on Jan. 1, 2025.

“Geiger’s foundation is built on a legacy of family values and a commitment to our associates, independent sales representatives, clients and the communities we serve,” David said. “I’m honored to continue working alongside Jo-an Lantz, whose leadership has guided us into exciting new markets and record sales. I look forward to building on our vision as a family-owned, global brand.”

A Background in the Family Business

David Geiger is no stranger to leadership at Geiger, which his family has owned and operated since the firm’s inception 146 years ago. He was promoted to vice president and general counsel in 2023, having previously served as general counsel.

In that VP/attorney’s role, David oversaw legal matters for the international organization, including mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, licensing and risk management.

“I am proud to be [David’s] partner in this important next step for Geiger. His leadership will help steer our team, and brand, into the next chapter while staying true to our values and culture.” Jo-an Lantz, Geiger (asi/202900)

In 2024, Geiger has been active when it comes to M&A, buying Brandelity in England, WER GmbH in Germany, California-headquartered O2 Marketing + Design (asi/286464) and Albany, NY’s Broadway Marketing.

Additionally, David has overseen Geiger’s efforts on sustainability and social responsibility, which have received honors. He’s also been a key member of Geiger’s executive team and board of directors.

“What a remarkable milestone this is for our family business,” said Gene Geiger, the distributorship’s board chair, fourth-generation family business leader and 2018 recipient of Counselor’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “Working with Jo-an and a superb management team, David is prepared to lead the company through its next era. I could not be more proud of David or more optimistic about our future.”

David began work in the family company in 2007 in manufacturing engineering services and later served as compliance manager. He graduated from the University of Maine School of Law and received his B.S. in business management from the University of Southern California.

“Working with Jo-an and a superb management team, David is prepared to lead the company through its next era.” Gene Geiger, Geiger (asi/202900)

David is active outside the halls of Geiger as well. He’s a member of Maine’s The Institute of Family-Owned Business’ Executive Next-Gen Peer Advisory Group, Promotional Product Association International’s Product Responsibility Action Group and a board member for St. Mary’s Health System and Vagabond Spirits Co.

Lantz became the first non-Geiger family member to hold the roles of president/CEO at the distributorship. Company leaders emphasized that the positive impacts of her leadership have been virtually immeasurable.

“A renowned industry figure, Lantz has heavily expanded Geiger’s global footprint and propelled the company to historic sales figures,” the distributorship said in a statement.

Based on reported 2023 North American promotional product revenue of $330.3 million, Geiger ranked ninth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry. The firm has over 600 employees worldwide and is affiliated with over 450 independent sales representatives.