Oriflame Kicks Off WTA Partnership in Paris
February 8, 2011, Paris – Oriflame, one of Europe’s fastest growing beauty brands, today kicked off its sponsorship of the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) as the WTA’s official cosmetics partner at Europe’s first WTA tournament of the 2011 season, the OPEN GDF SUEZ in Paris, France. Founded in Sweden in 1967, Oriflame today is a beauty company selling direct through more than 3.5 million consultants worldwide and a global presence in more than 60 countries. Under the terms of the two-year agreement, Oriflame is an official partner of the WTA in Europe, Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East and Africa and will enjoy a significant presence at 22 WTA events.
As part of the sponsorship, Oriflame will benefit from high visibility signage, branding and both traditional and digital marketing rights. Unveiled for the first time at the OPEN GDF SUEZ in Paris, the first series of marketing collateral features WTA players Vera Zvonareva, Jelena Jankovic, Daniela Hantuchova, Dominika Cibulkova and Tsvetana Pironkova.
Speaking at the press conference to launch the sponsorship, Michael Cervell, Senior Vice President of Direct Sales at Oriflame said, “The WTA is the perfect strategic partner for Oriflame as both organizations share a passion and spirit to help women be their best and fulfil their dreams. With the WTA, the very essence of the sport is built around strong women who inspire others around the world to succeed in whatever it is they do and love - which is also the blueprint for Oriflame’s proposition as well.”
Russian player, Nadia Petrova, two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist and former World No 3, commented on the sponsorship, “While our main focus is to stay at the top of our game and achieve all we can in the sport, we also enjoy looking our best both on and off the court. I think most women can relate to the idea that looking your best helps you to feel your best and that gives you the confidence to perform at your best, whatever you do in life. I know that Oriflame has this philosophy and WTA players are looking forward to supporting this sponsorship that will inspire women around the world to look and feel great as they pursue their dreams.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Oriflame and it’s great to see the partnership come to life in Paris,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA. “Oriflame represents a fantastic brand fit for the WTA and our players, and through the partnership and Oriflame’s marketing support we expect to broaden the reach and popularity of the WTA.”