William Loomis, chief executive of Lazard, is continuing his drive to strengthen the firm's investment banking coverage with the appointment of Philip Geier, former head of Interpublic Group, the world's largest marketing and advertising group.

Geier will join Lazard's New York office as a senior adviser to Lazard's operations in the US and Europe. His arrival will particularly strengthen the firm's penetration of the media and communications industries. Geier retired as chairman and chief executive of Interpublic last December.