Kong
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LeBron James makes his first Asia appearance as Audemars Piguet Ambassador
Shanghai, China, 19th August 2011 – Considered one of the greatest athletes of his generation, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James made his first appearance in Asia as the latest Audemars Piguet Ambassador by attending the welcoming press conference at Waldorf Astoria Hotel and retail visit at the Audemars Piguet Pavilion at West Nanjing Road in Shanghai on Friday morning.
“We are delighted to welcome LeBron James to Shanghai,” Mr. David von Gunten, CEO of Hong Kong and Mainland China commented during the press conference. “LeBron was chosen to represent our brand for his commitment to excellence, skilled technique and unwavering generosity – values also shared by Audemars Piguet. We are thrilled to have him with us here today.”
At the press conference, LeBron James shared his excitement over the brand partnership. “It is a great privilege for me to be part of today’s Audemars Piguet event here in Shanghai. I am very proud to represent Audemars Piguet for the first time in Asia.” When asked what his expectation is of this partnership, LeBron James replied, “I am really excited about the opportunity to partner with Audemars Piguet. I have felt a strong connection to the company for many years. Audemars Piguet is constantly working to be the best in developing and coming up with new ideas. That’s exactly what I strive to do. I am excited to see what ideas we could develop together.” LeBron James donned the much anticipated Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph timepiece launched earlier this year while only made available in China recently.
As the press conference came to an end, Audemars Piguet presented a framed Chinese silk embroidered emperor dragon robe to LeBron James that is symbolic of his nickname King James. “In China, LeBron is also known as Basketball’s Little Emperor,” Mr. von Gunten explained as he presented LeBron James with the gift. “This dragon robe is to signify LeBron’s majestic status in China, and for all of us at Audemars Piguet to wish him a bright future.” In appreciation, LeBron James returned the favour during his visit to the Audemars Piguet pavilion at West Nanjing Road as he embedded his handprints and casted his signature on a cement block as a gift to Audemars Piguet. “I believe Audemars Piguet and I strive for excellence in all our endeavors,” LeBron stated, “I’m proud to be part of the Audemars Piguet family.”
Mr. von Gunten further elaborated on why the master watchmaker chose LeBron James as their brand’s ambassador, “LeBron James is a gifted athlete and an exceptional humanitarian. His mission truly mirrors ours and we are delighted to have him in the Audemars Piguet family.”
In addition to represent the brand on the international stage, LeBron will start collaborating with Audemars Piguet to create a special limited-edition watch. “It is going to be a really interactive project,” LeBron added, “I am going to work to develop a watch that is an expression of my style and ideas.” Proceeds from any future auctions of his timepieces will be donated to his namesake charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation.
Press Release
This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-08-24 03:25:55
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