We have all encountered self-centered bosses, but none compare to Kier Eagan (played by Marc Geller) in Severance. At Lumon Industries, Kier is treated as a near-divine figure. His words are revered by employees, almost as if they are sacred texts.
To outsiders, it may seem like Kier is the current CEO due to the strong emphasis on his presence, but he is actually the company’s long-deceased founder. Though Kier passed away decades ago, his influence still looms over Lumon’s operations.
The company’s history is deeply intertwined with his life, leading to some unusual and unsettling practices. But what makes Kier Eagan so influential, and why does he inspire such unwavering devotion?
The Legacy of Kier Eagan at Lumon
A statue of Kier Eagan prominently stands in the Perpetuity Wing of Lumon, a place where his legacy is immortalized. Most of what is known about his life is detailed in the Compliance Manual, which every department keeps under his portrait. His story begins with a unique and challenging childhood.
Kier’s parents were described as having a “close biological relationship,” hinting that they were likely related. This resulted in Kier being a sickly child, and he even battled tuberculosis at a young age.
At just 12 years old, Kier started working for a harsh furniture tycoon who was infamous for mistreating his employees. These early experiences shaped Kier’s belief that a boss should genuinely love their work and view employees as part of a larger family. This philosophy would later become the foundation of his approach to leadership at Lumon.
As a young man, Kier worked at an ether factory, where he met Imogene Eagan, who later became his wife. Interestingly, Kier chose to take her last name, a decision that likely carried symbolic meaning for their shared ambitions.
During his early twenties, Kier also served as a doctor in a war, most likely the American Civil War. Witnessing the suffering of soldiers deeply impacted him, pushing him to create something meaningful.
In 1865, at the age of 24, Kier founded Lumon Industries, starting as a small pharmaceutical company. He became its first CEO and held the position for an astonishing 74 years until his death in 1939. Under his leadership, Lumon grew into a pioneer in bioengineering, far surpassing its humble origins.
Since then, leadership at Lumon has remained within the Eagan family, with Kier’s descendants continuing his legacy. Today, the company is led by Jame Eagan (Michael Siberry), the eighth Eagan to serve as CEO.
Kier’s Philosophy: Work as the Ultimate Purpose
At Lumon, employees are encouraged to study Kier’s life and adopt his teachings. Over time, this often leads to a sense of worship.
For instance, Irving B. (played by John Turturro) frequently reads Kier’s writings in the Compliance Manual, finding purpose in his words. This reflects the company’s goal of fostering loyalty and creating a shared sense of belonging.
Kier’s philosophy revolves around making work the central focus of an employee’s life. It is structured around three key components:
- The Nine Core Principles: Employees are expected to embody these values—Vision, Verve, Wit, Cheer, Humility, Benevolence, Nimbleness, Probity, and Wiles.
- The Four Tempers: Kier identified four human traits that must be controlled—Woe, Frolic, Dread, and Malice.
- Corporate Affection: This idea emphasizes the importance of serving the community through work. However, Kier’s twist on this concept suggests that love for work and the company should outlast love for life and personal relationships.
These principles and ideas are displayed throughout Lumon’s headquarters in the form of paintings, quotes, and other symbolic representations.
One notable feature is the Perpetuity Wing, a museum dedicated to the Eagan family and, more prominently, to Kier himself. This wing even includes a full-scale replica of Kier’s house, where top-performing employees are invited to participate in rituals that honor his legacy.
Theories About Kier’s Influence in Severance
Kier Eagan’s lasting influence at Lumon has sparked numerous fan theories about his role in the series. Many viewers speculate that Kier may still be controlling the company in some way.
One theory suggests that Kier’s legacy is preserved through the severance chips implanted in employees. Since Kier was the child of closely related parents, the Eagan family may have developed a way to transfer his consciousness into the minds of his descendants, ensuring that only an Eagan can lead Lumon.
The work done in the Macrodata Refining department might involve perfecting this process, allowing Kier to maintain his influence indefinitely.
Another theory proposes that Kier never actually died and is instead operating as the enigmatic figure known as “the Board,” secretly directing Lumon’s activities.
These theories are supported by the fact that nearly everything in the town surrounding Lumon headquarters bears Kier’s name, including the local newspaper. His overwhelming presence in both the company and the community raises questions about the true extent of his power.
Kier’s Influence in Severance
Kier Eagan’s role in Severance is both fascinating and unsettling. His teachings and legacy are central to the company’s culture, shaping the lives of employees in profound ways. From the Compliance Manual to the Perpetuity Wing, Kier’s presence is felt everywhere.
Even though he has not physically appeared in the series, Kier’s character adds an air of mystery and complexity to the narrative. His philosophy, which blurs the lines between work and personal life, highlights the dangers of corporate indoctrination.
With Severance set to return for a second season on January 17, fans are eager to learn more about Kier’s backstory and the true nature of his influence at Lumon. The series continues to show how far a company can go in its pursuit of control, making Kier Eagan one of its most intriguing figures.
