Jerry Reitman
Reitman with President Barack Obama in 2009
Born (1938-01-09) January 9, 1938 (age 86)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
EducationPennsylvania State University (BS)
Occupation(s)Author
Businessman
Advertising executive

Jerry Reitman (born January 9, 1938) is an American author, businessman and advertising executive. Reitman is the founder of the Reitman Group. He formerly worked for American Express, served as the vice president of marketing for the CBS Columbia House division, served as the CEO of Scali, McCabe, Sloves,[1] the International Head and Executive Vice President of Ogilvy,[2] and the Executive Vice President of Leo Burnett Worldwide.[3]

Early life

Reitman was born to Benjamin and Ruth Reitman. He grew up in a Jewish family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[citation needed] His father was the owner of multiple shoe retail stores.[4] He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and went on to attend Penn State where he graduated with a degree in finance.[5]

Career

Reitman started his career at Ziff Davis as an ad salesman. While at Ziff Davis, he went on to become the director of their British Magazine of the Month Club.[4] He then spent time working at Publishers Clearing House and Academic Media Company.[4]

In 1974, Reitman became the International Head and Executive Vice President of Ogilvy and was successful in growing Oglivy from two offices to 26 offices over a four-year period.[6][4] In 1982, Reitman was named the President and CEO of Scali, McCabe, Sloves where he was tasked with expanding the company.[7] In 1985, Reitman became the Executive Vice President of Leo Burnett Worldwide.[8][9][10][11] He retired from Leo Burnett after working there for 15 years.

Reitman published Beyond 2000: The Future of Direct Marketing in 2000. The book talks about the future of the direct marketing industry.

Awards

Reitman has received recognition and many awards for his successful work as an advertising executive. For example, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana gifted him with the key to the city. Other awards he has received include the Direct Marketers Silver Apple, the Charles S. Downs Award and the Direct Marketer of Year Award.[12]

Charitable work

Reitman served as the chairman of the board of Governors at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for more than 20 years. As a result of his work with the Children's Miracle Network, he was invited to the White House in 2009 and met with President Barack Obama.[13]

Personal life

Reitman is a resident of Chicago, Illinois. He also owns homes in Venice, California and Stockholm, Sweden. He is an avid tennis player and sports fan and an aspiring woodworker.[14][non-primary source needed] His nephew is professional tennis player Oskar Wikberg.

References

  1. ^ Dougherty, Philip H. (March 13, 1986). "ADVERTISING; UNIT OF SCALI, McCABE NAMES NEW PRESIDENT". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  2. ^ Dougherty, Philip H. (December 2, 1982). "Advertising; Scali Going Into Direct Marketing". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  3. ^ Lazarus, George. "LEO BURNETT LOOKS DIRECTLY TO INSIDE". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d Dougherty, Philip H. (December 2, 1982). "Advertising; Scali Going Into Direct Marketing". The New York Times. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  5. ^ "Jerry Reitman".
  6. ^ "DRAWING ON MAILING LIST, MCDONALD'S PLANS TO MARKET DIRECTLY TO MOMS". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  7. ^ Dougherty, Philip H. (March 13, 1986). "ADVERTISING; UNIT OF SCALI, McCABE NAMES NEW PRESIDENT". The New York Times. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  8. ^ Dougherty, Philip H. (October 24, 1986). "Advertising; Burnett Sets Its Own Pace". The New York Times. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  9. ^ The Bible on Leadership. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. June 18, 2002. ISBN 9780814426630. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  10. ^ "Mr. Jerry Reitman, Executive Vice President, of Leo Burnett USA". Getty Images. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  11. ^ "Follow-up: Convergence Marketing by Richard Rosen". McGraw Marketing. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  12. ^ "Honorees". Direct Marketing Club of New York. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  13. ^ "Jerry meets the President". Drayton Bird Association. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  14. ^ "@jerryreitman2" on Twitter
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