The playmaker: Gerald E. Johnson II and brand-building at the American Heart Association

This article discusses the brand strategy of the American Heart Association, through an interview with its chief diversity officer Gerald E Johnson II, discussing the US charity's aim to improve the cardiovascular health of the public.

The playmaker: Gerald E. Johnson II and brand-building at the American Heart Association

John Patrick Pullen

From Nabisco to Dr Pepper to ConAgra and beyond, Gerald E. Johnson II has made a career as a brand-building team player. Now with the American Heart Association, he's playing a do-or-die game.

Photograph by Justin Clemons

Humble people typically come from unassuming places.

For instance, ask Gerald E. Johnson II where he began his long, successful career in advertising, and he points to somewhere far away from magazine spreads and 30-second spots.

He describes a young boy hanging out with his friends on...

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