1956 Ogilvy "The man from Schweppes is here" print ad

David Ogilvy did something wild in 1956: he turned Schweppes’ real-life CEO, Commander Edward Whitehead, into an icon. The ad shows him stepping off a plane onto a red carpet like a movie star — part James Bond, part gentleman tonic ambassador.

Marketing analysis

This ad didn’t sell fizzy water. It sold story. Ogilvy wrapped Schweppes in the persona of “The Man from Schweppes” — confident, worldly, intriguing. The brand identity became human.

Why it works

• Puts a face to the brand (instant trust)
• Builds curiosity through status and mystery
• Uses storytelling instead of product features
• Creates cultural aspiration around simple tonic water

Examples

• Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Man in the World” built brand fame and grew sales 22% in the first year.
• Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” redefined an old brand overnight.
• GEICO’s Gecko gave an insurance company a friendly human face.