American Express weathered the pandemic with a three-legged stool strategy. American Express’ strategy was, and still is, to protect its customers, its people and its brand, according to an interview with CEO Stephen Squeri for the financial paper, Barron’s. American Express’ strategy is brand-business-leadership common sense. Unfortunately, there is less common sense in brand-business leadership these days.
There is another piece of news coming out of Silicon Valley aside from the banking debacle. And, that is Meta’s “year of efficiency” planning. Apparently, Meta’s leader, Mark Zuckerberg, has just discovered the benefits of financial discipline and operational excellence. In his recent memo to Meta employees, Mr. Zuckerberg indicated that this year will require a flatter and leaner organization. These principles are not new. Many enterprises have jiggered with organizational structures and more disciplined...
Over the past two years, brands raised prices at record rates. In fact, many brands raised prices every quarter over the past two years. Consumers are starting to push back. But, brands, conscious of their margins, are finding ways to raise prices in, shall we say, more creative ways. If the last two years has taught brands anything, it is to be profitable at any cost, even if it is not in the best interest...
Recently, Procter & Gamble indicated that it would continue to raise prices even though lack of consumer demand – due to increased prices – was responsible for half of its sales decreases. P&G’s CFO indicated that the packaged goods behemoth’s focus on continuing price hikes would be acceptable to consumers because, after all, people still need to launder their clothes and wash their hands.
AB InBev is the owner of over 500 drinks brands including national beers (Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona Extra) canned cocktails, craft beers, energy drinks, etc.. In an interview for The Wall Street Journal’s C-Suite Strategies section, the CMO of AB InBev discussed the changes in the Group’s brand marketing. One significant change is the focus on occasion-based segmentation.
