| David Beckham, whose autograph is among the most | | | | including Europe, North America, Latin America and |
| sought-after in the world, will become Sharpie’s | | | | Asia Pacific. |
| global ambassador in a fully integrated global marketing | | | | “I have always enjoyed signing autographs for |
| campaign that rolls out initially in the United States in | | | | people, especially since I used to love getting my |
| early March and in the UK from May. | | | | heroes’ signatures when I was younger,” said |
| Sharpie, a flagship brand of Newell Rubbermaid, will | | | | David Beckham. “I love to use Sharpie markers, so |
| leverage Beckham’s status as an international | | | | it’s a natural choice for me to partner with |
| sports star to increase awareness of Sharpie not only | | | | them.” |
| as the preferred autograph marker, but also its many | | | | Complete details of the Sharpie-Beckham campaign, |
| creative uses. | | | | which will also include print and online advertising, |
| “Like the Sharpie brand, David embodies individuality | | | | promotional and in-store support, will be announced in |
| and creative expression,” said Sharpie global | | | | May. |
| business unit president Howard Heckes. “He is the | | | | Sharpie has a long history of sports sponsorships in |
| rare athlete who transcends nationality and sport to | | | | the United States. Among the top-name athletes |
| command worldwide attention, making him the perfect | | | | Sharpie has previously partnered with are |
| ambassador for Sharpie marker users who are as | | | | NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr., Pro Football wide |
| passionate about the bold mark of a Sharpie as they | | | | receiver Terrell Owens, Pro Football Hall of Famers |
| are about the colours, variety and almost limitless uses | | | | Steve Young and Howie Long, and legendary golfers |
| of the product.” | | | | Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Many athletes use |
| Heckes says the deal will feature Beckham in a global | | | | Sharpie markers to sign autographs because they |
| marketing campaign in key regions around the world, | | | | leave a bold, permanent mark. |