Board of Directors

Thom Gruhler was appointed President of McCann New York in August 2009 after serving eight years as global leader of the agency’s $1.9 billion Verizon account, the largest U.S. client of the agency.

Being the Worldgroup Global Account Director for Verizon for the past 4 years prepared Thom for his latest position as President – having led an integrated multidisciplinary team of lead agencies and teams spanning all communications platforms. Under his leadership Verizon has achieved unprecedented and diverse growth.

In successive roles at McCann and other IPG agencies Thom gathered extensive experience in managing large and important accounts, including Barclays, Hewlett Packard, Levi’s, Hilton Hotels, Salomon Smith Barney and DaimlerChrysler retail.

Long before taking the helm of the flagship New York office, Thom was a strong proponent of teamwork within and across agency walls – always making mentoring programs a priority. He established a Reverse Mentoring Program to help young, tech-savvy McCann employees educate their more senior colleagues in the intricacies of digital media and other emerging technology platforms. He is also is a charter member of McCann New York’s Diversity Council and is an active participant in diversity and inclusion programs.

In November 2008, the AAF (American Advertising Foundation) inducted Thom into its Advertising Hall of Achievement. The AAF Hall of Achievement is the highest industry award for excellence and accomplishment in advertising professionals 40 and under.

Thom is involved in both industry and community activities. He was named President of the Advertising Club of NY in July 2009. He has also served as Chairman of the Account Management Committee of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies) since 2006. He has served on the advisory board for the Good Deed Foundation and played an active role in PENCIL in New York, providing hands-on exposure of the advertising business to students of NYC public schools.

Gruhler and his wife live in SoHo with their young son George. They spend what little free time they have visiting both of their families, traveling, cooking and back country winter sports.