What kinds of humor are these top brands using to get the last laugh, and what does having a sense of humor really mean when it comes to effective branding?

FORBES: 'Four Car Insurance Brands Drive Into a Bar'

But the quirky executive maintained his trademark (if sometimes off-putting) sense of humor to the last.

FORBES: 'I Was Fired' -- Here's That Refreshingly Honest Farewell Memo From Groupon CEO Andrew Mason

For the last 36 years, Mr. Niccolini, 59, has used his irreverent sense of humor and political savvy to establish the Four Seasons as the city's power-lunch gold standard.

WSJ: Julian Niccolini