Cultural Intelligence

Troye Sivan x Smirnoff: Redefining Modern Brand Building

Smirnoff’s appointment of Troye Sivan as “Chief Vibes Officer” isn’t just a clever marketing move—it’s a bold reimagining of how brands collaborate with cultural icons to elevate relevance and identity. In today’s hyper-connected landscape, a personality-driven creative leader like Troye serves as the bridge between product and culture, giving Smirnoff a relatable, human face that deeply resonates with younger, culturally attuned audiences.

The fashion world has long excelled at this playbook—think Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton, Teddy Santis at New Balance, or Nigo at Kenzo—redefining creative leadership to weave brands seamlessly into culture. It’s exciting to see other industries now embracing this strategy, harnessing visionary partnerships to build deeper, more authentic cultural connections.

As Smirnoff’s CVO, Troye’s role goes far beyond traditional endorsements. Over the next two years, his creative leadership will infuse the brand with energy, expand its cultural footprint, and build a more meaningful connection between Smirnoff and the broader cultural conversation.

This partnership celebrates individuality, creativity, and Smirnoff’s bold “Go OFF” ethos. It’s a modern blueprint for brand building: inviting visionaries into the fold and allowing culture—not just campaigns—to lead the way.