Mark Stroman, the veteran Fox and Endeavor marketing executive who launched unforgettable worldwide campaigns including “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas,” has died, and those who knew him are taking to social to share their memories.
“R.I.P. Mark Stroman, one of the greatest @FOXTVexecs of all time. A showman. A marketing genius. “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” “Don’t Lay a Finger on My Butterfinger.” Later, “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” He was also “out” when it was risky,” said Jason (Zack) Haikara.
Stroman, 58, died February 22, 2022, of COVID-19 complications, Deadline reports. He leaves behind a legacy of memorable advertising portfolio with some of TV’s favorite shows.
Stroman was one of the original employees of Fox Broadcasting in the 1990s and later on aided create the internet marketing division at Endeavor along with his twin brother Erik. Stroman helped launch the long-running “Nobody Better Lay a Finger On My Butterfinger!” campaign featuring The Simpsons‘ Bart Simpson.
Stroman spent 16 years at News Corp and Fox, working on fan-favorites including Family Guy, America’s Most Wanted, Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place and The X-Files. As senior vice president at News Corp One, Stroman was responsible for developing an integrated marketing group for all of Rupert Murdoch’s businesses.
After leaving Fox, Stroman and his brother became founding agents for the marketing division of Endeavour. There he worked with notable clients including Maserati, The CW, JetBlue, UPN, Hallmark Channel and 20th Century Fox.
Later the dynamic twin-duo founded EDP and produced numerous New Year’s Eve TV specials for Fox. They also ran campaigns for video game franchises Tony Hawk, Call of Duty and Guitar Hero. The brothers sold EMD to Omnicom in 2006.
In 2009, Stroman joined Los Angeles entertainment and music marketing company McGhee Entertainment and worked with rock band KISS for over a decade. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at McGhee, he also oversaw marketing campaigns for BMW Mini Cooper, John Paul Mitchell Systems, Supercuts and NFL Films.
Most recently, Stroman was the marketing director for music at Spin Media.
From TV shows to car brands, Stroman was one of the minds working on memorable campaigns for decades.
“Our dear friend Mark Stroman Dies: Former Fox And Endeavor Marketing Executive Was 58 – Mark had a wonderful English sense of Humour and was very smart…. He was loved by everyone,” said author Daniel Michael Francis.