Philippe Weiss Discusses Business Naming Risks on WGN Radio’s Noon Business Lunch

Philippe Weiss, president of Seyfarth at Work, appeared on WGN Radio Chicago’s "Noon Business Lunch" on June 23, 2026 to discuss why businesses should think carefully before adding additional names to a company, highlighting recent controversy involving the Kennedy Center as a cautionary example.

Weiss explained that adding a new partner or investor’s name is often meant as a goodwill gesture, but it can create unintended complications and may require reversal if relationships change or if the original brand carries more value with customers. 

He advised business owners to build safeguards into company protocols that make name changes more deliberate, and to communicate the importance of legacy, brand equity, and customer recognition before expanding a company’s name.

The full discussion can be heard at the 5:56 mark of the episode, "Noon Business Lunch 6/23/26: High housing costs, Chicago Bandits, Block Club Chicago career fair."