William "Bill" Lamar, former chief marketing officer for McDonald's USA, was honored recently with one of the advertising industry's most prestigious accolades — entry into the American Advertising Federation Advertising Hall of Fame.
Lamar was one of seven individuals inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame this year. In its 61st year, the Advertising Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary men and women who have made significant contributions to advertising and society, and raised the level of professionalism in the industry.
As McDonald's USA CMO from 2002 to 2007, Lamar was responsible for marketing, consumer insights and new product development for McDonald's nearly 14,000 U.S. restaurants. As a marketing and business strategist and motivator, Lamar's team introduced Americans to Premium Chicken Sandwiches, McGriddles, Snack Wrap and the Dollar Menu; increased McDonald's U.S. market-share; and spearheaded the launch of the "i'm lovin' it" global advertising campaign in the United States.
"I am truly honored to be recognized by the AAF and join the ranks of so many other influential leaders," Lamar said in a news release. "In my 24 great years with McDonald's, I've built lifelong relationships that transcend generations. From franchisees and agency partners, to McDonald's senior leadership, all were integral to my success and the success of the company. I'm thankful for the opportunity to promote a brand we all cheer."
"There's no doubt that Bill is a visionary leader. I spent many years watching him and learning from him," said Neil Golden, CMO, McDonald's USA. "His innovative approach and forward-thinking perspective helped build McDonald's into the brand it is today. We are extremely proud of him, and his accomplishments."
Lamar is on the board of directors for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged Inc. in Washington; a former member of the Ad Council and an Alliance for Digital Equality board member in Atlanta. He also is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the board of directors of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and an Advisory Board member of Intellione Inc. Lamar is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
The other individuals inducted into this year's Advertising Hall of Fame include:
- Roone Arledge (1931-2002), former president, ABC Sports and former president & chairman, ABC News
- Roy Eaton, former VP, music director, Benton & Bowles
- Pat Fallon, chairman emeritus, Fallon Worldwide
- Robert James, former chairman & CEO, McCann Erickson Worldwide
- Gerry Laybourne, founder, chairman & CEO, Oxygen Media LLC
- Wally Snyder, president emeritus, American Advertising Federation
The AAF also inducted P&G, its first corporation, with one to be inducted into the annual Advertising Hall of Fame hereafter. Among other achievements, the corporate inductee will have made a significant and positive impact on the industry through innovative and forward thinking, promote diversity and multiculturalism within their organization, and have achieved a global reputation as an industry leader.
