Former Beats by Dre executive to visit Penn State Behrend

Speaker Series returns to college March 22
Omar Johnson pictured.

Omar Johnson will discuss the changing marketing and advertising fields on Thursday, March 22, when he visits Penn State Behrend as part of its Speaker Series. His presentation, “Experience is the New Marketing,” begins at 7:30 p.m. in McGarvey Commons, in the college’s Reed Union Building.

Credit: Keppler Speakers

ERIE, Pa. — In 2010, when Omar Johnson joined Beats by Dre as its chief marketing officer, the audio equipment company was worth $180 million. Four years later, it was purchased by Apple for $3 billion. Clearly, Johnson knows something about building a brand.

Johnson will discuss the changing marketing and advertising fields on Thursday, March 22, when he visits Penn State Behrend as part of its Speaker Series. His presentation, “Experience is the New Marketing,” begins at 7:30 p.m. in McGarvey Commons, in the Reed Union Building. The program is free and open to the public.

Johnson has more than 15 years of experience in strategic marketing. He has led several successful advertising campaigns, including #ShowYourColor Solo Campaign, Powerbeats starring LeBron James, and The Pills featuring Chris Rock and Eminem. Under his leadership, Beats grew to become the No. 1 premium headphone in North America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, South Korea and Singapore.

Johnson is known for using the “ambush marketing” tactic and in 2013, AdWeek recognized him as a “Brand Genius.” He has also led marketing programs for international brands that include Nike, Coca-Cola and Campbell Soup.

His appearance at Penn State Behrend is made possible by the college’s Student Activity Fee, the Division of Student Affairs and the Harriet Behrend Ninow Memorial Lecture Series Fund. For additional information, contact the Office of Student Activities at 814-898-6171.

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