• by Wayne Friedman , March 17, 2008

On the heels of OMD's lead TV buyer Debbie Richman's departure, the media agency moved quickly to promote 20-year OMD veteran Chris Geraci to managing director of national broadcast investment.

Geraci will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, which includes a team of more than 100 buyers who collectively have a client list of some 80 national advertisers. He has also been named to the OMD Operating Council.

"It is gratifying to see a homegrown talent like Chris advance and thrive in our organization," said Page Thompson, CEO of OMD North America, in a statement.

Geraci replaces Debbie Richman, who has moved on to take the lead advertising sales executive position at Lifetime Networks.

Geraci started in 1987 at BBDO New York, and in July 2000, became director of national television buying for BBDO. He was part of the initial creation of the OMD national TV buying group.