As first reported in a Breaking News Alert on Friday, Top 40 distributor Geiger (asi/202900) has promoted Jo-an Lantz to the position of chief operations officer for the Geiger Group. Lantz, who has been a member of the Counselor Power 50 since the list’s inception in 2006, had been executive vice president for the Geiger business unit. In her new role, Lantz will oversee all of the company’s operating units.

“Few people in our industry – men or women – are more skilled and accomplished than Jo-an,” said Gene Geiger, CEO. “She has served as PPAI Chair and has won every award there is at the national level, including being the youngest person ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. For our firm she has been a key driver of our growth and success over the years. It is time – and maybe past time – for her to oversee the day to day operations of our firm.”

Lantz, who is also a member of Geiger’s board of directors, said she is looking forward to her expanded role with the company. “I am excited about this opportunity to work with all of our teams,” said Lantz. “We have great people throughout the organization, and I continue to learn from them every day. I love my work and the Geiger business family. We’ve got a great future, and I am so happy to be part of it.”

Geiger ranks as the eighth-largest distributor in the industry, after reporting 2013 North American ad specialty sales of $151.6 million.