Edward Whitehead

Walter Edward Whitehead (20 May 1908 – 16 April 1978), also known as Commander Whitehead, was the on-screen representative for Schweppes Tonic Water in a widely distributed advertising campaign of the 1950s and 1960s, appearing as himself. He also served as head of Schweppes' American operations.

Life and career Whitehead was born on 20 May 1908 in Aldershot, England. He served with the Royal Navy in World War II, attaining the rank of Commander. in the same year catching the eye of adman David Ogilvy, who was creating advertising for Schweppes. Schweppes had until 1952 been imported from Britain, and was thus an expensive niche product. In 1952 an agreement was signed with the Pepsi-Cola Company to bottle Schweppes in America, reducing the price to consumers by 75 percent.