EXHIBIT 99.2


              CONSENT OF PERSON NAMED AS ABOUT TO BECOME A DIRECTOR

         Pursuant to Rule 438 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, I,
David A. Bell, hereby consent to be named as a person about to become a director
of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. in connection with the consummation
of the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
March 18, 2001, between True North Communications Inc. and The Interpublic Group
of Companies, Inc., in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed by The
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. in connection with the merger, and any
amendments thereto and to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.



                                                       /s/ David A. Bell
                                                       ------------------------
                                                       David A. Bell

Dated:  April 19, 2001