• January 17, 2008

Virgin Mobile USA has named Bob Stohrer, currently VP/brand & integrated marketing, chief marketing Officer. Stohrer will take on this role as Howard Handler, who has served as CMO since Virgin Mobile's launch, leaves the company.

Handler and Stohrer joined the no-contract wireless service in 2003. Both have been instrumental in driving its growth from a start-up MVNO to one of the nation's top 10 wireless providers, with a customer base of nearly five million. Following several years of impressive growth as well as the recent completion of the company's initial public offering, Handler has decided to take the next step in his career.

Stohrer joined Virgin Mobile USA in 2003 as VP/brand & communications, and was promoted to his current position in 2006. Working with Handler, the partnership created some of Virgin Mobile's most visible programs, including "Nothing to Hide"--the Naked campaign, "Chrismahanukwanzakah," and this year's "You Rule" campaign.

Earlier in his career, Stohrer served as vice president and creative director at National Football League Properties, where he advanced the NFL's branding and advertising efforts. Stohrer played a pivotal role in some of the NFL's most memorable creative campaigns, including the "Feel the Power" fan development outreach, the award-winning "Thank You, Fans" Super Bowl commercials, and the "Play Football" youth campaign.

--Nina M. Lentini