bmer
Tire Trailblazer
- Messages
- 6,956
Esko Kiesi, the sales manager for Audi cars in Finland, has apologised over a furore sparked by comments in a magazine interview on the role of women, and has resigned.
In an interview in a special issue of the women’s magazine Anna, intended for marketing professionals, Kiesi made comparisons between women and cars, and said that because of their emotions, women are not as good in executive positions as men are.
He also said in the interview that if a woman in a relationship refuses to iron or clean, the relationship is doomed, and that women need men to help them deal with technical matters.
His comments got extensive media attention, sparking a massive flood of opinions - mostly less than welcoming - on online message boards.
Pekka Lehti, CEO of VV-Auto, which markets Audi and Volkswagen cars in Finland, said that Kiesi made the decision to resign on his own, because he felt that he could no longer credibly represent Audi in Finland.
"I am sorry of the hurt and damage that I have caused with my poorly considered statements, which were mainly intended as humour”, Kiesi wrote in a statement issued on Thursday.
“I have worked together with hundreds of professionals to build a strong Audi brand, and I sincerely hope that my thoughtless action will not negate my years of effort.”
Lahti says that VV-Auto will completely revamp its communications policy, and that statements made by employees will be monitored more closely than before.
He adds that the furore has hurt Audi. “It is possible that the Audi brand has suffered, although the cars have not changed at all. They are great cars.”
Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home
