Anson Frericks, former president of Anheuser-Busch Sales and Distribution Company, has called on Brendan Whitworth, the current CEO of the beer company, to resign due to his mishandling of the Bud Light controversy involving transgender woman Dylan Mulvaney. In an op-ed for The Daily Mail, Frericks argued that Whitworth’s continued presence in the company would only cause more damage to a brand that has already lost billions in market value. Frericks accused Whitworth of missing multiple opportunities to rectify the situation, stating that it would be in the best interest of shareholders for him to be compelled to step down rather than offer more inadequate responses to the ongoing PR crisis.
Frericks began by highlighting the significant financial losses suffered by Anheuser-Busch following the partnership with Mulvaney as the face of Bud Light. He mentioned Mulvaney’s recent Instagram post in which she criticized the beer brand for not providing enough support amidst the backlash. Frericks commended Mulvaney for severing ties with the company, something he believed Whitworth should have done much earlier.
Frericks criticized Whitworth’s response to Mulvaney’s complaints, describing it as weak and indecisive. He deemed Whitworth’s statement about focusing on brewing great beer and earning a place in consumers’ important moments as meaningless and likely to create a greater divide between the brand and its customers. Consequently, Frericks concluded that it was time for Anheuser-Busch’s shareholders and board to request Whitworth’s resignation.
Frericks stressed the importance of holding the CEO accountable, emphasizing that his decisions were impacting the livelihoods of individuals who rely on the brand’s success. He lamented how corporate leaders can mismanage once-iconic American brands, leading to job losses and financial losses.
Frericks then criticized Whitworth’s ineffective attempts to address the controversy. He highlighted Whitworth’s failure to apologize or specifically address the issue in his initial response in April. He also scrutinized Whitworth’s subsequent statements made in June, deeming them equally weak and ineffective. Frericks noted that Bud Light experienced its worst sales numbers since the Mulvaney partnership following Whitworth’s June statements.
Furthermore, Frericks expressed disappointment in Whitworth’s evasive responses during a June 28 interview on CBS Mornings. He believed Whitworth should have unequivocally admitted that sending the can to Mulvaney was a mistake, but instead, Whitworth seemed to be influenced by the trend of “stakeholder” capitalism, prioritizing multiple interests over shareholders and customers.
In conclusion, Frericks asserted that Whitworth had proven himself incapable of resolving the Mulvaney crisis and that it was imperative for him to step aside and make way for someone capable of saving the sinking Bud Light ship. A response from Bud Light to Frericks’ criticism is still awaited.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
