MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Family Insurance announced today that Derek Jeter – retired New York Yankees shortstop, 14-time All-Star, future Hall of Famer, businessman and philanthropist – has signed on as the company’s newest brand ambassador.
“We are honored to have Derek as part of our team. His story and his will to compete and win with dignity at the highest level is legendary,” said Telisa Yancy, Chief Marketing Officer. “He’s a recognizable figure not only in the sports world, but also in the business and philanthropic world.”
“American Family Insurance has a great commitment to helping customers achieve their dreams, which is something that personally resonates with me,” said Jeter. “I am excited for the opportunity to help bring inspiring success stories to light.”
American Family Insurance’s commitment to its customers includes supporting, championing and protecting their dreams. The company has partnered with a highly selective group of ambassadors whose experiences and values not only motivate current and future customers, but also inspire them to “dream fearlessly.”
Since retiring in 2014, Derek has founded The Players’ Tribune (TPT), a new media company that provides athletes with a platform to connect directly with their fans, in their own words. Earlier this year, American Family Insurance became the exclusive sponsor of TPT Assist, a section of the site that tells the personal stories of athletes and their passions to make a difference in their communities and across the world.
Yancy said American Family Insurance will partner with Jeter on brand ambassador opportunities leading up to his enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in 2020.
This is the first new partner Jeter has signed with since his retirement. Other American Family Insurance brand ambassadors include Kevin Durant, Steve Stricker, Jessie Vetter, J.J. Watt and Kathy Ireland.
“We’ve found that highly visible public figures are interested in working with us because of our authentic brand positioning around the ideal that whatever one’s walk of life, everyone has dreams, and those dreams deserve to be inspired, protected and restored,” said Yancy.
More about Derek Jeter
When he stepped away from baseball in 2014 after a historic 20-year career with the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter had established himself as one of the most respected men to have ever played the game. In retirement, Jeter now focuses on a variety of successful business ventures including his Jeter Publishing imprint with Simon & Schuster and The Players’ Tribune. He continues to be the driving force behind his Turn 2 Foundation, established in 1996, which has awarded more than $23 million in grants to create and support signature programs that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. Jeter’s accolades include: 5-time Gold Glove Award; 5-time Silver Slugger Award; AL Rookie of the Year (1996); Roberto Clemente Award (2009); Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award (2009); Michigan Association of School Administrators Champion for Children Award (2005); Joe Torre Safe at Home MVP Award (2010); Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (2010).
About American Family Insurance
Madison, Wis.-based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam. Google+ plus.google.com/+amfam/.
