Name Ian Gerard | ||
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Jeffrey Abramson, Ian Gerard , GEN ART, Kelly Calabrese
Ian Gerard (born in April, 1968 in New York City) was the co-founder of Gen Art. He served as the company's CEO (1997-2010). In January, 2012 he founded Syndicate-5 and has served as its CEO since.
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Career
Gerard attended Vassar College after which he attended NYU School of Law. In 1993, Gerard founded Gen Art with his brother Stefan Gerard and art world scion Melissa Neumann.
Gerard practiced corporate law from 1994-1997 at Latham & Watkins. In 1997, Gerard became Gen Art’s CEO. Gen Art focused on producing fashion shows for emerging designers, film festivals for independent filmmakers, exhibitions for visual artists, live music productions and custom programs. During his tenure, the company opened additional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami, and produced over 100 events each year. The company showcased many emerging talents who at the time, were not nationally recognized, but have gone on to national prominence including Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Posen, Adrian Grenier, Rooney Mara, Rebecca Taylor, Ed Norton and Jeremy Renner.
Gerard has been highlighted in various publications including Crains New York Business "40 Under 40" and People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. In 2005, Gerard was asked to join "The World Economic Forum of Young Global Leaders" as a member.
In May 2010, Gen Art shuttered its doors temporarily due to the economic ramifications of the great recession. It was sold to Sandow Media and relaunched in January 2011 with Gerard acting as a consultant until his departure in March 2012. In late 2015, Gerard returned briefly as a consultant to Gen Art.
In October 2011, Gerard founded Syndicate-5, a lifestyle consultancy that helps align brands with consumers through their arts & entertainment passion points. Clients have included Hyatt Hotels, JCPenney, Heineken and Cadillac. In 2013, he co-founded the music & fashion program called "Sound Waves" program in Montauk. In 2016, Syndicate-5 with Gerard as lead producer helped launch the inaugural "Underground Lauderdale Fashion Weekend" working with Broward County's Tourism Board to feature 3 days of fashion including industry leaders Rachel Zoe, Nicole Miller and Susan Bartsch.