New Boss says “People Thing, Free Beer” Not Part of Anheuser-Busch’s Future

If you ever wanted to see the face of greed, look no further than Carlos Brito, chief executive of brewer InBev SA, who will be leading Anheuser-Busch. He “says he doesn't care for perks — and neither should the people who work for him. I don't want the company to give me free beer; I can buy my own beer."

According to AP:

Brito, admits himself that he did not always get "the people thing," when he started off in sales. "His reputation precedes him as a no-frills, no-thrills severe cost-cutter," says Eric Shepard, editor of beer industry newsletter Beer Marketer's Insights.

But how did Brito the “severe cost cutter” get started and become the face of capitalistic hubris? The following story demonstrates the “getting their due” philosophy of the privileged class.

“Brito applied to several U.S. universities for a master's in business administration. He was accepted by several — but could not pay his way. A family friend put him in touch with Brazilian investment banker and billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, who told Brito he would pay for his graduate studies at Stanford. All he wanted in return were periodic reports and clippings from the United States to keep him up to date with what was going on there. Brito insisted on knowing how he would pay Lemann back and Lemann said, 'I do not want to be paid back. One day you will do for others what I am doing for you.'"

I guess not getting “the people thing” and doing away with a company perk of a case of free beer every month for employees is Carlos Brito’s idea of “doing for others.”

Good-bye America’s Anheuser-Busch. Now, buy your own damn beer.