-By Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Omnicom Group's OMD has promoted Chris Geraci to managing director of national broadcast investment, effective immediately. He replaces Debbie Richman, who has joined Lifetime as evp, sales.

A 20-year-plus OMD and Omnicom veteran, Geraci was most recently director of national broadcast investment at the agency. He is now responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a team of more than 100 buyers servicing over 80 national clients. 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, to whom Geraci will report.  "His extensive experience and ability to craft innovative deals have given us a tremendous advantage. He brings a new dimension to the role with his expertise in emerging media."
 
Geraci began his advertising career in 1987 at BBDO in New York. Working his way through the ranks, he became director of national television buying in 2000. That same year he played an integral role in the formation of the OMD National TV buying group. 

At Lifetime, Richman will report to CEO Andrea Wong, and oversee all ad sales for Lifetime Television and Lifetime Movie Network, as well as Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital, which includes myLifetime.com.

"An executive of formidable stature with extensive relationships in the media community, Debbie has an outstanding record developing innovative partnerships and client models in this fast-changing business environment," said Wong in a statement.

Prior to OMD, Richman ran the Johnson & Johnson national broadcast business for 10 years at two separate advertising agencies.  She was vp, group media supervisor, at McCann Erickson from 1993-97, and vp, media supervisor at Young & Rubicam from 1988-93.