'Heated Rivalry' Star François Arnaud Named Global Brand Ambassador for Under Armour
François Arnaud has taken on a new role as a global brand ambassador for Under Armour, with the athletic apparel company announcing the partnership Thursday.
‘Heated Rivalry’ star François Arnaud is now a global Under Armour ambassador and leads the brand’s new ‘For When It’s Hot’ campaign.
Courtesy of Under Armour
The Heated Rivalry star is beginning his ambassadorial role by fronting Under Armour’s new For When It’s Hot campaign, which was released alongside the announcement. The brand had previously teased Arnaud’s involvement on social media throughout the past week.
Courtesy of Under Armour
Arnaud has also previously been seen wearing Under Armour as Scott Hunter, his character in Heated Rivalry.
Reflecting on his new partnership with the sportswear brand, Arnaud said the opportunity would have seemed unlikely to his younger self.
“If you’d told the skinny awkward kid I used to be that one day I’d be an ambassador for a sportswear brand, I would’ve laughed,” Arnaud said in a release.
He continued by explaining why the collaboration holds particular meaning for him, highlighting how personal growth can lead people in unexpected directions.
“What makes this moment feel so special is that it’s reminder that we don’t always end up where we expect, and growth can look very different from what we imagined,” he continued. “Grateful and honored to partner with Under Armour who were willing to meet me right where I want to be.”
The new For When It’s Hot campaign puts the spotlight on Under Armour’s HeatGear line. The campaign launches this week, during what the brand describes as historically the hottest week of the year in North America.
In the campaign spot, Arnaud appears shirtless as he puts on his Under Armour gear while temperatures rise. A nearby woman photographs and records him as he works out. The advertisement ends with Arnaud shirtless once again, cheekily throwing his shirt toward the camera.
According to Under Armour, Arnaud represents the company’s idea of a “forever athlete”—someone committed to continually pursuing improvement both on and off the screen.
Under Armour chief communications offer Matt Dornic explained that the decision to partner with Arnaud went beyond his talent and appearance, pointing instead to what he represents.
“What drew us to François was more than his obvious talent and looks, it was what he represents. The character he portrays ultimately finds his greatest success when he stops trying to fit someone else’s mold and embraces who he truly is, Under Armour’s chief communications offer Matt Dornic said in a release. “That’s a lesson that resonates deeply with us.”
Dornic further connected Arnaud’s mindset with the qualities Under Armour believes define both athletes and strong brands.
“The best athletes perform with confidence, conviction and authenticity, and we believe the strongest brands do too. As Under Armour continues to evolve, we’re focused on being unmistakably ourselves, and François embodies that mindset in everything he does.”
With the new partnership, François Arnaud takes center stage in Under Armour’s For When It’s Hot campaign, marking the beginning of his role as a global ambassador for the athletic apparel brand.
