With $8000 and a dream to create a men's lifestyle magazine that he would like
to read, Hugh Hefner put together the first issue of Playboy magazine on his kitchen
table. Over half a century later, Playboy has grown to become one of most well known
brands in the world, and Hefner remains the face of the brand and the ultimate brand
champion.
Susan Gunelius uncovers how a brand associated with sex survived and thrived despite
attacks from every direction, in an increasingly competitive market and jaded consumers.
For over 50 years, Hugh Hefner has lived the Playboy brand promise, and Playboy
has become one of the most recognized brands in the world. It's a fascinating story of
determination, dedication and belief in a product. It's the story of brand building, brand
value, brand longevity and the ultimate brand champion.
SUSAN GUNELIUS is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc.
(www.KeySplashCreative.com), a full-service marketing communications company. She spent
the first decade of her career managing and executing marketing programs for some of the
largest companies in the world, including divisions of AT&T and HSBC. Gunelius is an
author with several business books published to date, and her marketing-related articles
appear on websites such as Entrepeneur.com, MSNBC.com, FoxBusiness.com and more. She is
also an active blogger writing about marketing, branding, advertising and more on her own
blogs, www.KeySplashCreativeConversations.com and www.WomenOnBusiness.com as well as for a
variety of clients. Gunelius is often called upon to speak at events and conferences as an
expert on marketing, branding, social media, blogging and writing.
Table of Contents
PART I: REINVENTING AN INDUSTRY - THE YEARS UP TO 1959
The Brand Dream
A Brand is Born
Nurturing a Brand
The First Brand Extensions
PART II: A BRAND RISES DESPITE THE NAYSAYERS - THE 1960'S
Growth Explosion
Defending the Brand
Living the Brand
PART III: THE BRAND GOES GLOBAL - THE 1970'S
The Brand Seen and Protested Around the World
A Brand Peaks
A Brand Gives Back
PART IV: A BRAND IN DECLINE - THE 1980'S
A Changing World
A Changing of the Guard
A Change of Course
PART V: REINVENTING A BRAND - THE 1990'S
A New Focus
New Brand Extensions
The Brand Champion Returns to the Spotlight
PART VI: A BRAND RISES BACK TO THE TOP - THE 2000'S
A Brand for a New Generation
Focus on Relationship Branding
The Future of the Playboy Brand
208 pages, Hardcover