Brilliant Ads This Week

Crocs, Oatly, Hims, & more.

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Hey,

Ad Professor here.

As always, I've got the best ads for you.

And this week, another special interview with the Head of Marketing at Puma Middle East, Ricardo Amaral.

Strap in:

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Here's an ad I made for Crocs..

We’ve helped multiple billion-dollar companies get their best-performing ads.

If you're spending $50K+ on advertising per month and need help...

Apply here.

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Oatly doing a blindfold experiment, resulting in people loving the taste better whilst blindfolded, and making a series of cheeky OOH ads out of it.

Brilliant.

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Show them results they can't argue with.

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Duolingo doing a collab with Severance while it's trending.

The timing here is everything

Watch the full video here.

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Each week we're sitting down with some of the smartest minds in marketing to ask them the big 5 questions.

This week, we sat down with Ricardo Amaral, The Head of Marketing at Puma Middle East, to find out his take on the past, present and future of advertising.

Let's get into it:

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How is marketing evolving?

"Marketing is becoming hyper-personalized and immersive. AI will predict consumer needs before they’re even voiced, while traditional ads will decline in favour of community-driven experiences. Brands like PUMA are already shifting—our Nitro Track Sessions aren’t about selling shoes, but fostering real engagement. The future belongs to those who embrace authenticity, AI-driven personalization, and purpose-led storytelling."

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What makes a campaign unforgettable?

"The best campaigns don’t just sell a product—they sell a feeling. They tap into human emotion, align with brand identity, and defy expectations. Whether through humour, nostalgia, or ambition, great storytelling is what makes an ad stick."

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Favourite campaign of all time?

BMW’s ‘Retirement is about exploring your wide-open future’. Instead of the usual retirement clichés, it redefined aging as a time for adventure. The approach was bold and daring, subtly targeting Mercedes consumers by challenging traditional luxury car marketing. It wasn’t just selling a car; it was selling a mindset—freedom, possibility, and a new chapter of life.

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How can brands stand out in the next few years?

• Authenticity & Community – People engage with brands that feel real.
• AI-Powered Personalization – Dynamic content tailored to individuals.
• Immersive Experiences – AR, VR, and real-world activations.
• Speed & Agility – The fastest brands to adapt will win.

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What’s the key to a great marketing plan?

"Start with the consumer, not the brand. Too many marketers build plans around business goals rather than real audience needs. The strongest strategies combine:

• Consumer insights
• Clear objectives
• Creative storytelling
• Measurable execution

Get this balance right, and marketing stops feeling like marketing—it becomes something people genuinely want to engage with."

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✨ Final Word:​
​"The future of marketing isn’t about pushing products—it’s about creating experiences, building communities, and making people feel something real."

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If you enjoyed this, drop me a reply with what you liked, or just send me a test tube emoji 🧪
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I read every reply and it helps with my email score.

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The Ad Professor

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PS. Want more content? Follow me on X: @The_AdProfessor

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