Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest beer producer, has seen significant change in its marketing team. In the last week, one of the company’s executives unexpectedly left, sending shockwaves throughout the industry.
The executive in question was Stephen E. Burrows, who had served as Chief Marketing Officer since October 2019 when he joined the company from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay North America division. During his time at Anheuser-Busch, Burrows focused his attention on the iconic Bud Light brand, which had seen consecutive declines in sales over each of the last four years.
The reasons for his departure are uncertain. A spokesman from Anheuser-Busch only offered a brief statement saying “We thank Steve for his contributions to the company during his tenure.” Burrows’ LinkedIn profile has not been updated to reflect his leave.
The sudden resignation comes amidst struggles for the Bud Light brand that began in 2017 when rival MillerCoors aggressively undercut them on price. In response, Anheuser-Busch shifted its focus away from traditional television and radio advertising and towards more digital channels such as social media.
Burrows’ departure serves as a reminder of the difficult journey Anheuser-Busch must take if they are to regain their crown as king of the beer brands. It is certain that the company will face more backward steps before they can emerge from the current crisis; however, it is still uncertain what the next steps forward should be for the company.
Although the circumstances around his departure are unclear, Stephen E. Burrows will leave an impact on Anheuser-Busch’s connection to their customers, as numerous changes had been made under his watch. Despite the sudden departure, it’s likely the legacy and influence of his marketing initiatives will remain long after he’s gone.