Kristian “Kris” Magel serves as Chief Investment Officer for Initiative in the United States, one of the Interpublic Group’s (NYSE: IPG) three worldwide media networks and part of the company’s IPG Mediabrands unit.
Kris is one of this year’s Reisenbach Distinguished Citizenship Award Honorees and we caught up with him recently to talk about his career and favorite things about NYC.
Who/what inspired you to get into media/advertising?
I honestly fell ass-backwards into it. Answered an ad that said “excel skills needed,” and took a job in the financial department of DeWitt Media. Once there a few months, I felt that the Network buying group offered a really interesting career path – human connection, mixed with negotiation, mixed with business and entertainment, all rolled into one. Different than any job I had ever had before. 21 years later, with all the friends and colleagues I’m lucky enough to work with, it’s been the most rewarding decision I could have ever made.
How did you first hear about the Reisenbach foundation?
I first heard about Reisenbach from a colleague years ago at Optimedia: Bob Lilly. He was explaining to me that it was a special group of industry people rallied around an amazing cause. Interestingly though I only attended my first foundation event last year, when Linda Yaccarino was honored.
Fave 5:
What’s your favorite NYC neighborhood and why?
West Village. It’s like living in a beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood in the middle of Manhattan. I love that no building seems to go above 6-7 stories high.
Favorite NYC restaurant?
Strip House on 12th and University.
Favorite NYC coffee spot?
Don’t have one, although I like to have breakfast at Niles on 7th and 31st (but the coffee is horrible :-)).
Favorite NYC season?
Spring
Favorite thing to do in NYC?
Play baseball with my son during Greenwich Village Little League season. And have a drink or a meal on the sidewalk.
