Professional badminton player Lin Dan 林丹 hailing from the Chinese province of Fujian, known for his indomitable success on the courts, has just been unveiled as China Brand Ambassador for Montblanc.
The German luxury label with its unmistakable "White Star" logo, had introduced Hugh Jackman as its global brand ambassador at the annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) trade event in Geneva earlier this year, has been making aggressive moves to build upon its writing instruments, jewellery and leather goods businesses as well as grow its watch segment.
The player recently attended the launch of the Montblanc 'Celebrating the Spirit of Meisterstück' Beijing Exhibition, spotted wearing the Maison's Meisterstück Heritage Moonphase watch. On his new role, he added:
I am honoured to join the Montblanc family. I have always respected Montblanc's 100-year heritage, exquisite crafstmanship and their timeless pieces."
"The Maison's long term commitment to continuous exploration and innovation perfectly reflects my own values, as I strive to push boundaries and reach out for new life adventures ahead."
The 31 year old is a two-time Olympic champion, five-time world champion, and five-time All England champion.
Considered by many to be the greatest singles player of all time, by the age of 28 Lin had completed the "Super Grand Slam", having won all nine major titles in the badminton world: Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, Super Series Masters Finals, All England Open, Asian Games, and Asian Championships.
He is the first & only player to achieve this.
Affectionately known as "Super Dan" by his fans, he is the first men's singles player to retain the Olympic gold medal by winning in 2008 and defending his title in 2012.
Lin Dan's relentless pursuit for excellence and perfection are values shared by Montblanc, making him the ideal spokesperson for the Maison targeting the mainland China market. Truth be told, badminton and sporting fans around the world are well versed in the supremacy of Lin; even the fans of his fiercest competitor Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia will begrudgingly acknowledge this.
Lin Dan's appeal is unequivocally global.
Lin's dashing looks also belie a rebellious streak — he sports several tattoos, a rare sight amongst Chinese athletes — allowing Montblanc to present various aspects of his personality through its upcoming campaigns.
