Aflac’s Shannon Watkins named one of the 2021 Most Powerful Women in sports
Aflac , a provider of supplemental insurance in the US, announced that Aflac Chief Brand and Marketing Officer Shannon Watkins has been named one of AdWeek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports for 2021. The recognition follows Watkins’ effort to redefine fan experiences emerging from the pandemic and celebrate the comeback to game day, with a major focus on college football launching a new collaboration with ESPN’s “College GameDay” in 2021, and, in particular, the inequities associated with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Since joining Aflac in 2018, Watkins has infused the brand’s purpose into Aflac’s sports sponsorships, allowing the company to authentically build consumer connections and usher a new way of thinking about brand partnerships. Through her driving focus on HBCUs, Watkins identified unique ways to leverage Aflac’s rich marketing legacy, including the beloved Aflac Duck, educate hardworking Americans about health and wealth gaps, and show how Aflac products and services can help close those gaps when policyholders face the high cost of medical bills that their health insurance may not cover.
“We are immensely proud of the work Shannon and her team are doing and pleased she has been named to such a prestigious list. Shannon’s personal and professional commitment to standing in the gap between those who need greater support and the institutions that can provide it is a difference-maker in how people perceive Aflac as a company that truly cares. Aflac is making a difference due in great part to Shannon’s vision on advancing our business with a particular concern for the diverse communities we represent. Shannon’s surround-sound, integrated approach places Aflac at the forefront of the key issues that matter most to our customers, employees, communities and stakeholders. She is a leader in her profession, most deserving of this high honor from AdWeek and is having a true, positive impact on our business” – Aflac US President Teresa White.
In 2022, Watkins has her sights set on additional major moments in college sports: as an official partner of the NCAA®, focusing on both men’s and women’s basketball during March Madness. Fans will be able to follow these activities across Aflac-owned social channels, mainstream television and experiential activations.
