In San Diego, Mike Freeman reported Callaway Golf named entertainer Justin Timberlake to the new position of creative director, though the title is “largely ceremonial.” While he is “not an employee,” Callaway Golf Senior VP Jeff Colton said that Timberlake “will consult on certain marketing efforts over the next several years.” Timberlake signed an endorsement deal with the company in ’08, becoming the “only non-golf professional on the company's endorsement roster.” Timberlake’s “first contribution came on the ‘Epic Demo’ ad campaign for the company's new RAZR line of drivers and irons.” TV commercials for the clubs “are being filmed now on the Las Vegas strip and will begin airing at the end of January” (SIGNONSANDIEGO.com, 12/15).
BIGGEST LOSER? In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley “decided to weigh in with a Weight Watchers' program that will officially use him as a spokesman on a ‘Lose Like A Man’ program that launches Christmas Day.” Barkley had been “slamming the scales at about 350 pounds as recently as last summer” (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 12/16). Barkley said, "The doctor said, 'Hey dude, if you don't lose some weight you're either going to get diabetes, have a stroke or drop dead. It's either A, B or C." Barkley lost 14 pounds "on his own," while he "taken off another 27 -- down to 309 -- since going on the Weight Watchers program in late September" (USATODAY.com, 12/13).
CHEERS TO THIS: Scottish Premier League club Rangers announced they have renewed their sponsorship deals with Coca-Cola and Powerade for another two years. Coca-Cola has been the club’s official drinks supplier for the past 10 years (Rangers).
