Tennis star Maria Sharapova has been signed with NetJets, a private aviation firm with more than 51 years in the industry. In her role as a brand ambassador, Sharapova will work with NetJets’ marketing team, foccussing on a social media campaign but also including exclusive experiences for NetJets owners.
Maria Sharapova is considered a bona fide tennis veteran, having amassed prize money amounting to an estimated US$36.5 million, and the Russian celeb is only 28 and is currently ranked number five in the world.
The tennis ace is clearly also proficient at generating income off the court, with her portfolio of partnerships including sports brands Nike and Head, and special deals with the likes of Avon Fragrances, Porsche, Tag Heuer, Evian and Tiffany. The Moscow Times reported the Florida resident earned $24 million in 2013 alone.
So proud to announce our new partnership with stylish tennis legend @MariaSharapova. pic.twitter.com/llFZHL5RUk
— NetJets (@NetJets) January 12, 2016
“Working with Ms. Sharapova is an ace for us. She is a best in class athlete, business owner and philanthropist. We are delighted to partner with her as she travels the globe for her sports, business and charitable work,” said Pat Gallagher, NetJets executive vice president of sales and marketing.
Sharapova is something of a social media sensation, with almost 15.3 million fans on Facebook and 1.2 million and 1.94 million followers on Instagram and Twitter respectively. "I have been a long time owner of NetJets, since 2004, and now to become an Ambassador for this quintessential lifestyle company is very exciting,” said Sharapova.
In 1986, when Sharapova was about one year old, NetJets pioneered the concept of fractional aircraft ownership – offering individuals and businesses all of the benefits of whole aircraft ownership and more, at a more affordable rate. The Berkshire Hathaway company now has more than 650 jets in its fleet.
NetJets' Challenger 650 in flight
