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Selection of celebrity endorsers: A case approach to developing an endorser selection process model

Svend Hollensen (Department of Border Region Studies, University of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark)
Christian Schimmelpfennig (University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland)

Marketing Intelligence & Planning

ISSN: 0263-4503

Article publication date: 25 January 2013

8203

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at shedding some light on the various avenues marketers can undertake until finally an endorsement contract is signed. The focus of the study lies on verifying the generally held assumption that endorser selection is usually taken care of by creative agencies, vetting several candidates by means of subtle evaluation procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research has been carried out among companies experienced in celebrity endorsements to learn more about the endorser selection process in practise. Based on these cases theory is inductively developed.

Findings

The research suggests that the generally held assumption that endorsers being selected and thoroughly vetted by a creative agency may not be universally valid. A normative model to illustrate the continuum of the selection process in practise is suggested and the two polar case studies (Swiss brand Lindt and Austrian Vitatherm) are presented in depth.

Research limitations/implications

As the results of the study suggest, generally held assumptions towards the endorser selection process may be challenged. Consequently, this affects the necessary accuracy of models to evaluate the brand‐endorser matchup.

Practical implications

Conducted case studies indicate that there are various avenues how brands come to their endorser. This paper could not find evidence of a best practice strategy.

Originality/value

A normative model for the celebrity endorser selection process is suggested.

Keywords

Citation

Hollensen, S. and Schimmelpfennig, C. (2013), "Selection of celebrity endorsers: A case approach to developing an endorser selection process model", Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 88-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634501311292948

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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