Regarded as the “biggest night in advertising,” six industry icons, along with one corporate honoree, were formally inducted into the 2024 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame in New York City. Among those honored was Olivier François, global chief marketing officer at Stellantis.
The award was presented to François by Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, whom he met and befriended during a FIAT brand shoot in 2013. The two became close friends, attending each other’s weddings and collaborating together on various projects.
“When I first learned about this honor last November, I spoke of my gratitude to my incredible colleagues and co-conspirators, in addition to the strength of the iconic brands that propel Stellantis forward,” says François.
“When I took on the CMO role almost 14 years ago, from the moment I stepped off the plane in Motor City and into the world of American advertising with really no clue about what makes it tick, I’ve been very fortunate to be supported by a culture of lateral thinking first pushed by Sergio Marchionne and now Carlos Tavares.”
Highly acclaimed campaigns under François’ leadership include the Primetime Emmy Award-winning “Imported from Detroit” featuring Eminem; “Farmer” with radio’s legendary Paul Harvey; Primetime Emmy Award-nominated “Halftime in America” with Clint Eastwood; Primetime Emmy Award-nominated “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray; and “The Middle” featuring Bruce Springsteen.
The award comes as François relaunches the all-new, all-electric Fiat 500e into North America with the new campaign, “Italy in America” with Spike Lee and Giancarlo Esposito.
François’ and Burrell’s full remarks can be viewed here.
