Anheuser-Busch has placed two top marketing executives on leave after Bud Light, one of its leading brands, sparked controversy by partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a paid marketing campaign.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Blake, who oversees marketing for Anheuser-Busch’s mainstream brands, has been placed on leave, along with Bud Light Vice President of Marketing Alissa Heinerscheid, who was put on leave late last week.

An Anheuser-Busch spokesperson confirmed the executives’ leaves of absence in an email, stating, “Given the circumstances, Alissa has decided to take a leave of absence, which we support. Daniel has also decided to take a leave of absence.”

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the decision to take a leave was not voluntary for either executive.

Anheuser-Busch is reportedly making internal adjustments within its marketing department to ensure senior staff are fully connected to decisions about brand activities.

The company stated, “These steps will help us maintain focus on the things we do best: brewing great beer for all consumers while always making a positive impact in our communities and on our country.”

The controversy with Mulvaney led to the resurfacing of comments Heinerscheid made during a recent podcast, in which she discussed her efforts to change Bud Light’s brand by promoting inclusivity.

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Heinerscheid explained that her goal upon taking over Bud Light was to reverse the brand’s long-term decline by attracting younger drinkers. To do so, she aimed to create a campaign that was truly inclusive, lighter, brighter, and appealing to both women and men.

Heinerscheid emphasized the importance of representation in the brand’s evolution, stating, “You have got to see people who reflect you in the work.”

She claimedd that Bud Light had previously been associated with “fratty, kind of out-of-touch humor” and stressed the need for a new approach.

This incident involving Anheuser-Busch’s marketing executives highlights the challenges companies face when attempting to appeal to diverse audiences while navigating the complexities of societal issues.

As the executives take leave and the company reevaluates its marketing strategies, it remains to be seen how Anheuser-Busch will address the concerns raised by this controversial partnership.

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