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CE Business Philips Electronics Marketing Executive Passes Away
CE Business Philips Electronics Marketing Executive Passes Away
| Philips Electronics Marketing Executive Passes Away |
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| Thursday, 02 July 2009 10:35 |
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Michael Keel KEEL, MICHAEL J. , 57, left a void that can never be filled with his untimely passing on June 24, 2009. A true original, the world has never known a more devoted friend or neighbor. The positive impact he leaves literally spans the globe. Mike represented a bright ray of hope to so many by the unbridled encouragement he brought to countless numbers of true friends. More than anyone, Mike will forever be known as “Mr. Enthusiasm.” Positive conversation was his trademark. Every life he touched was made better by his sincere concern and hardy handshake. A single conversation with Mike Keel was all anyone ever needed to make their day better. This was just one of the many gifts he extended to all. Born and raised near Kansas City, MO, he grew to become a highly successful national and international marketing executive, most notably with Philips Electronics. His signature is forever etched on so many memorable campaigns, and like the product he represented, his approach was always “Smart…Very Smart.” Accomplishment was routine for Mike. A respected, senior executive with extensive experience launching and building consumer brands, he was fluent in all aspects of national and global marketing. As a decisive, relationship-driven leader, he became one of the foremost authorities for the Philips Electronics brand in North America. More locally, his passion for the city of Atlanta and its sports teams led him to play an instrumental role in the naming of Philips Arena. Beyond our borders, he served as the North American regional voice on the global Philips advertising council working to unify the marketing communications of Philips worldwide. His seasoned style and optimistic business approach helped earn him a coveted spot in Advertising Age magazine’s “Top 100 Marketers.” In addition, his credentials earned him a designation by the Wall Street Journal as an “Industry Innovator.” In the early ‘80’s, he and wife Beth moved south to discover the neighbors and region they could never leave: Knoxville, TN. Their famous hospitality was a perfect fit in Big Orange Country and Mike’s personality and love for the area became legendary. His resume as a cheerleader at the University of Missouri prepared him for the decades of unwavering support he would lend to the University of Tennessee. He was the architect behind the long-standing Philips/UT Athletics partnership often emulated to this day. For years, audiences marveled at the fact that Tennessee Volunteer sports footage always seemed to find its way into Philips/Magnavox national TV commercials. Now, for the first time, it is revealed as no accident. Mike Keel was behind it all. Until his last day, “Coach Keel” remained a key consultant to the University of Tennessee’s Vol Radio and TV Networks. Always a most desired guest in numerous corporate luxury suites, he politely declined such invitations in favor of sitting in the stands as a dedicated fan among friends. This held true for all the teams that claimed his passion: the Vols, Lady Vols, and the Atlanta Braves. As glowing as Mike’s professional resume was, it paled in comparison to his personal accomplishments. Mike’s most prized possessions in his life were his leading ladies: wife, Beth, and the shining light in his life, daughter Katie. From her very first footsteps to her most recent competitive meet as a scholarship swimmer at the University of North Carolina, he was there front and center. Not surprising, Katie’s character is a testament to the teachings and guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Keel. This gentleman brought his best efforts every day, and it can be stated in no uncertain terms that Mike did everything right. He was the loyal son, devoted husband, and nurturing parent all rolled into one. The world may never know another. A faithful 29 year member of the Church of the Ascension, his spiritual faith fueled his strength throughout his full life. Those who knew Mike were given a great gift: a friendship built on unbreakable terms and an uplifting conversation always at a most opportune time. If the true measure of a man’s worth are the good deeds he leaves behind, then Mike Keel left this world a very rich man. Mike Keel was preceded in death by his parents Charles (Chuck) and Betty Keel. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Beth, and daughter Katie. Siblings (Ron & Vicki Keel; Cheri & Ed Reardon, Steve & Nancy Keel) all from the greater Kansas City area. Arrangements: In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations be sent to University of North Carolina Swimming & Diving Team, P.O. Box 2126, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-2126 “in memory of Mike Keel.” Source: www.cedailynews.com |
