Why Marketing Students Should Study Ryan Reynolds: A Masterclass in Modern Marketing.

When marketing students dive into their first textbooks or online forums, one of the first names they’ll encounter is Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing. His 4 Ps framework, product, price, place and promotion, remains a timeless foundation. But what happens when you apply these principles in the age of memes, mobile, influencers and ever-decreasing attention spans?

Look no further than Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood actor turned entrepreneur turned football Chairman, distillery owner and marketing genius. From Wrexham AFC to Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, Reynolds has redefined how brands connect with consumers, making him a must-study for any modern marketer.

1. Promotion (Reimagined): Aviation Gin

Reynolds bought into Aviation Gin and turned it into a cultural moment. With funny, self-aware ads and viral content he helped redefine the concept of promotion to include storytelling, humour and emotion. All of which helped him to grow the business and exit with a $610M sale.

2. Product & Price: Mint Mobile

With Mint Mobile, Reynolds took a low-cost telecom product and wrapped it in relatable, budget-friendly messaging. He didn’t just promote the product he embodied it. His ads were filmed on iPhones, his tone was casual, and the message was simple: "You don’t need to overpay." This direct alignment of Product and Price with consumer pain points is pure Kotler—with a strong Reynolds' twist.

3. Place: Wrexham AFC

When Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, it wasn’t just a sports investment - it was a community story. Through the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, they extended the club’s Place from a local stadium in Wales to global audiences via Disney+ and social media. It's Kotler’s "Place" meets content-driven global entertainment with ripples beyond Wrexham. Birmingham City anyone?

4. Brand Purpose: Beyond the 4 Ps

Reynolds doesn’t just sell he connects. His brands stand for something, they are fun, honest and human. While Kotler’s model remains relevant, Reynolds shows that modern marketing also needs personality, emotion and purpose.

Final Thought

Ryan Reynolds is the Kotler of content-led, modern marketing. He merges the classic 4 Ps with emotion, entertainment, and authenticity, exactly what today’s consumers crave. For students learning marketing today, Reynolds isn’t just a celebrity, he’s a case study in brand building at its finest.

Want to master modern marketing? Study Ryan Reynolds. Learn from Kotler. Apply both.