After more than 30 years of using Snoopy as its mascot, the insurer MetLife is parting ways with the famous beagle from Peanuts. The "Peanuts" character, one of the most recognizable figures in American pop culture, is being retired after more than 30 years of appearing in print ads, TV commercials, marketing materials and on the sides of MetLife's blimps at sports events. The global chief marketing officer for MetLife, Esther Lee, announced the change on Thursday, saying that Snoopy was adopted as a symbol in 1985 to make the company seem "more friendly and approachable during a time when insurance companies were seen as cold and distant." "We have great respect for these iconic characters," Ms. Lee said in the announcement. "However, as we focus on our future, it's important that we associate our brand directly with the work we do and the partnership we have with our customers." The broader MetLife palette...(Read Full Post)