Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC, was named the “Grand Brand Genius” by Adweek at its 2012 Brand Genius Awards event Nov. 28 in New York City. The annual event honours Brand Genius winners across a diverse range of product categories and recognizes those whose exceptional accomplishments stand out among the most creative, colourful and successful marketers.
Francois was chosen as the “Grand Brand Genius” from 10 Brand Genius honourees. Adweek recognized him for his pioneering leadership and creative, hands-on approach, personally convincing actor Clint Eastwood to participate in Chrysler’s award winning “It’s Halftime in America” ad, and persuading singer Eminem to license his music and even appear in another spot for the highly successful “Imported from Detroit” campaign.
“Francois engineered the most improbable of comebacks with his work in the Super Bowl,” said James Cooper, executive editor of Adweek. “His outstanding work, which successfully put Chrysler back on the map, deserves our top marketing honour.”
“The ‘Grand Brand Genius’ award has a special place in my heart,” Francois said. “Not just because of Adweek’s prestige, but also because it validates our belief that to be successful in this business, you can’t fear to be different. Good marketing is about being different and, at the same time, being absolutely and fiercely true to who you are.
“As our first Jeep® Grand Cherokee ad said, at Chrysler Group, ‘the things we make, make us.”
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group’s culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat’s complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.
About Adweek Brand Genius Awards
Adweek, the leading media and marketing authority, introduced the Brand Genius awards in 2011 as a continuation of Brandweek magazine’s Marketer of the Year franchise that spanned more than two decades. Adweek Brand Geniuses, chosen by a panel of senior editors, are thought-leaders who have demonstrated not only unique ideas and a willingness to break with convention but have successfully advanced their brand’s prestige and performance despite formidable competition and a challenging business climate.
