Montblanc Introduces Brand Ambassador AB de Villiers

Cricketing legend extends his support of Montblanc’s #PassItOn campaign to highlight the precious gift of writing, and the Maison’s ongoing partnership with UNICEF to improve child literacy and access to education around the world.

Today saw the first official introduction of Montblanc’s new brand ambassador for India and Southern Africa, cricketing legend AB de Villiers, at a press conference held in Mumbai to launch the Maison’s new UNICEF collection.

Introduced by Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki, AB de Villiers will be the face of Montblanc across all categories including watches, writing instruments, men’s accessories and leather goods. Born in South African, Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is widely admired as one of cricket’s finest talents. An athlete of outstanding versatility, the 33-year old is a formidable batsman, askilled wicket-keeper and an enviable fielder. He currently captains the South African One Day International Team.

In addition to his outstanding performances for South Africa over the past decade, AB de Villiers has taken his unconventional talent to India, playing for the Delhi Daredevils in the first three editions of the Indian Premier League. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, and has remained with the team ever since.

“We are delighted to welcome AB de Villiers to the Montblanc family as our new ambassador. He is one of the most exciting athletes competing in the world today, with a disruptive and instinctively innovative approach to his sport,” said Nicolas Baretzki. “AB de Villiers embodies the same pioneering spirit that drives Montblanc to keep pushing boundaries, and we look forward to collaborating on many initiatives that will reflect that.”

Montblanc Brand Ambassador AB De Villiers Introduced in India |Corporate Page2 Celebrating its longstanding partnership with UNICEF in supporting children around the world gain access to quality education, Montblanc introduced its limited edition UNICEF collection during the event. Designed to highlight the precious gift of writing, the Montblanc for UNICEF collection includes writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods and accessories that will help improve the learning of over 5 million children through quality learning materials and better teaching.

Spreading the key message “writing opens up the world. Pass on this special gift.”, AB de Villiers shared one of his most memorable moments of writing, before encouraging the wider community in India to also share their memories. These will contribute to the international campaign launched by Montblanc brand ambassador Hugh Jackman in print, online and social media, using hashtags #PassItOn, #Montblanc, #UNICEF, and #foreverychild. On the campaign site www.montblanc.com/unicef, the memories of participants are being collected and transformed into a journey across the world.