3064355-inline-inline-omar-johnson-beats-by-dreOne of the instrumental executives who oversaw the rise of Beats By Dre as a brand, chief marketing officer Omar Johnson, has announced that he is leaving the company on November 1 (via Fast Company).

Johnson didn't give a specific reason as to why he is leaving the company, but his departure date will mark six years since he came onboard in 2010.

Back then he was vice president of marketing before being named CMO in 2012, two years before Apple would come in and acquire the brand for $3 billion.

Working with the ad agency R/GA, Johnson helped craft some of the most well-known Beats By Dre advertisements, fueling its "transition from a curiosity to a constant presence in pop culture."

An example of one of the ads Johnson helped create

Although his departure from the company wasn't explained, Beats co-founder and current Apple Music executive Jimmy Iovine commented on the announcement, describing Johnson as "one of the most talented marketing executives" he's ever met and an instrumental factor in what Beats By Dre eventually became.

In an email, Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine said, "Omar Johnson is a one of the most talented marketing executives I've ever met and we couldn't have built Beats without him. He has my support in his future endeavor."

After Johnson leaves, his former "right-hand man" Jason White will become executive vice president of marketing at Beats. Before he's gone for good, Johnson is said to focus on putting the finishing touches on two new global brand campaigns that will be debuting soon.

Top Rated Comments

kmm1482 Avatar
114 months ago
I worked on the commercial featured in the article! :)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DEMinSoCAL Avatar
114 months ago
I wish him luck.

So does that leave one other black person working at Apple?!
Yes, and not female. That should give you something to comment on. :rolleyes:
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WiiDSmoker Avatar
114 months ago
Probably finally tried the product and realized how horrible they are
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2457282 Avatar
114 months ago
Courage, Omar, Courage!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Born Again Avatar
114 months ago
I wish him luck.

So does that leave one other black person working at Apple?!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
v0lume4 Avatar
114 months ago
I wish him luck.

So does that leave one other black person working at Apple?!
Yep. Of Apple'a 115,000 employees, only one of them is black.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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