Leadership Team
The Boomer Project draws upon the skills of seasoned marketing and research professionals from both its own staff and its sister company, the Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc. (SIR).
Matt Thornhill, Founder and President
Matt Thornhill is considered to be the nation’s authority on marketing to today’s Boomer Consumer. His opinions and insights are sought by media around the world. He’s appeared on NBC, CBS, CNBC, in BusinessWeek, TIME, Newsweek and The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and countless others.
Matt has spoken at over 200 events across the United States, Canada, Spain, Brazil and Panama in front of audiences from 2 to 2,000. He conducts training and workshop sessions at corporate events to help organizations better understand today's older Boomer Consumer.
Matt partnered with SIR to bring the Boomer Project to life in early 2003, after a 23-year career in the advertising agency business with Ogilvy, Bates and The Martin Agency. Besides overseeing research and consulting work for clients, he also is the co-author of the acclaimed book, "Boomer Consumer: Ten New Rules for Marketing to America's Largest, Wealthiest and Most Important Demographic Group," and he writes the Boomer Project's "Viva the Vital!" column.
John W. Martin, CEO
As CEO of the Boomer Project and president and CEO of the Southeastern Institute of Research, John provides strategic guidance to both organizations.
For the Boomer Project, John spends much of his time on the road giving presentations and seminars to audiences across the country. Along with Matt, he wrote "Boomer Consumer," and contributes to the Op/Ed column, "Viva the Vital!"
Prior to joining SIR, John led the marketing efforts of PBM Products, a multinational company that developed and distributed store brand and national brand product lines of infant formula.
John also has been the guiding force behind the the Older Dominion Partnership, an umbrella organization for public, private and non-profit players dedicated to studying the impact of the age wave on Virginia and how to prepare for it.
