Friday, 21 Nov: Reuters/ST reported:

Chief executives (CEOs) from General Motors (GM), Ford Motor and Chrysler on Wednesday pleaded for US$25 billion (S$38.2 billion) in federal assistance to help pay their suppliers, workers and other expenses at a time when car sales have plunged along with a souring economy.

But sceptical lawmakers blasted them for flying private jets to Washington and failing to make personal sacrifices in exchange for federal assistance…..Even Democrats who said they were sympathetic to the carmakers’ plight expressed frustration that the executives used private jets, while professing ruthless cost-cutting measures…..

[Representative Brad Sherman, a California Democrat said] ’I also, though, must recognise that you’re in trouble mostly because of the economic downturn.’ Mr Sherman asked the CEOs if they were willing to sell their jets on Wednesday and fly back to Detroit on a commercial flight.

‘Let the record show no hands went up,’ he said.

Silly CEO’s! Going begging in private jets. Have they lost touch of reality? Would you give your pennies to a beggar in designer dress or even with just a handphone in hand? 

Lesson for us:

The CEO/director is the face of a company, what he does (or doesnt do) will affect the credibility of the company’s perception negatively and lower its branding. But you don’t need a PR genius to tell you that, do you?