GeigerBTC, the UK-based subsidiary of Lewiston, Maine-headquartered distributor Geiger (PPAI 105182, D12) has hired Vicky Kinasz as managing director. She will replace Frank Murphy, who is retiring in May. Murphy is a founding partner of BTC Group, which Geiger acquired in April 2018.

“Following a very successful two-year transition period, I am looking forward to a new and exciting stage in my life, albeit one curtailed somewhat by the current coronavirus crisis,” says Murphy. “I cannot speak more highly of the care and consideration Geiger has shown for me during this transition period. While I am saddened to leave behind an amazing team of colleagues, many of whom I have known for more than 25-plus years, I could not be more delighted to hand the reins over to Vicky Kinasz. I know she will lead GeigerBTC on to even greater things.”

Kinasz’s background includes senior roles in commercial operations, management and sales. She says, "I am delighted to be joining the team at Geiger BTC. I have spent over 20 years in the promotions industry, and to have the opportunity to join a world-class organization with such an incredible culture and heritage is truly the most exciting opportunity of my career. I very much look forward to meeting in the near future with all our clients, partners and suppliers."

Jo-an Lantz, MAS, president and CEO of Geiger Worldwide, adds, “Vicky brings a track record of managing client relationships and teams with strong communication skills. Her experience as a managing director, as well as with promotional products, sales promotion agencies and consumer brands make her uniquely qualified. I look forward to working with her in the years to come as GeigerBTC grows.

“It is difficult to imagine GeigerBTC without Frank Murphy. He has been the lifeblood of the organization for over 40 years. We wish him the very best in his retirement,” says Lantz.

Beginning with the 2018 acquisition of the BTC Group, Geiger has grown its operations in Europe through the acquisitions of four more UK distributors—Berkshire-based Lancewich, London-based EMC Advertising Gifts, York-based Response Marketing and London-based Shout Promotional Merchandise—and in 2019 it opened a GeigerBTC logistics office in Rotterdam, Netherlands.