Qahtani is to be the first Arab man designated as the face of Gillette in the GCC. The football icon now stands alongside the three global Gillette Champions – Thierry Henry, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer – to represent the brand as an athlete who excels and dominates on and off the pitch. The creation of the fourth Champion follows the unprecedented success of the worldwide Gillette Champions program launched in 2007. The announcement was made at a football-themed gala evening hosted at the Wafi Rooftop, where Yasser took the stage and confirmed his place as the first Arab man to be the face of Gillette. “The Gillette Champions program is all about athletes who have transcended their sport. Champions are always looking and being at the top of their game on and off the pitch. We want to be associated with the best and Gillette is the best a man can get,” said Pankaj Bhalla, Gillette Brand Manager, P&G Arabian Peninsula. Yasser Al Qahtani has risen to the forefront of the Arab football world, representing youthful skill and an eagerness to be at his best in every sphere of life. He first caught the attention of pundits and coaches during his performance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he scored a goal against Tunisia and again in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup where he was awarded the top goal scorer of the tournament. His impressive accomplishments led to the title of “Asian Footballer of the Year” in 2007. Citing the reasons that Yasser was chosen as the fourth Gillette Champion, Bhalla commented: “As the youngest captain of the Saudi national football team, Yasser has inspired millions in the nation by proving that they are capable of achieving their dreams. He is a national icon who is revered not only for his sporting skills, but also for his behaviour and image off the pitch.” “I am honored to be chosen by Gillette as their Fourth Champion and to stand alongside the three global champions, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Thierry Henry,” said Yasser Al Qahtani at the Gillette Champions press conference. Consistent with the Champions' program values, Yasser will be fully integrated into Gillette brand programs being, in essence, the face of Gillette in the GCC. Through multi-faceted marketing initiatives, including print and broadcast advertising, consumer promotions, point of sale materials and public relations in support of Gillette's premium shaving products, Yasser will be involved in the brand's campaigns throughout the region. The event also launched the Gillette Fusion Phenom grooming portfolio, a combination of the advanced technology of Gillette Fusion with a striking new design in both power and manual options. The portfolio also includes the Gillette Fusion Phenom HydraGel Ultra Protection, and the Gillette Splash, an aftershave fragrance. Gillette Fusion has been the most successful new product in Gillette's history making it a $1 billion brand for P&G. “In Saudi Arabia, men take pride in their unique facial hair styles and I believe that Gillette Fusion Phenom has the ability to help us look, feel and be at our very best. The Gillette Fusion Phenom helps me to maintain my look and style, which is why I am so happy to be a part of this campaign,” said Yasser. __
