It's no secret the Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC is in dire straits, but can Iron Man himself help? HTC brass seems to think so: According to a Bloomberg report, the company has hired Robert Downey Jr. in a two-year $12 million global marketing deal.
Citing two people with knowledge of the company's plans, Bloomberg claimed Downey Jr. will be helping HTC out as himself -- not his ironclad movie counterpart. He will have a final say over creative elements of the campaign, which will include print, TV and billboard ads.
HTC's market share and profits have been in a downward spiral for the last several quarters, and staff departures and salary cuts aren't helping the company's outlook.
At the company's annual stockholder meeting Friday, HTC CEO Peter Chou asked for patience, claiming everyone that the company plans heavier investments in marketing, although he didn't reveal details.
Though HTC's current Android flagship, the HTC One, has received good reviews (Mashable's included), its impact on the market is yet to be seen. Perhaps a familiar face can help HTC move more units and get back to profitability.
Do you think Robert Downey Jr. will give HTC the boost it needs? Share in the comments.