Holden sponsorship boss: ‘Walking away from Collingwood would have been easiest’
Holden has admitted it did have a “break clause” in its contract with AFL club Collingwood which would have enabled the brand to walk away from its sponsorship deal after controversial comments by president Eddie McGuire.
Earlier this month the car maker announced it would divert a large chunk of its multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with AFL club Collingwood to its women’s team and community programs and infrastructure following comments by TripleM breakfast host McGuire about drowning journalist Caroline Wilson, which many took as condoning violence against women.
Speaking at yesterday’s Sports Marketing Summit, Emma Pinwill, the general manager of marketing, brand and media strategy for Holden, said walking away from the club would have been the easier option, especially given the brand has a break clause in its contract.
Emma Pinwill: Walking away from the sponsorship deal would have generated “good headlines and probably a lot of positive comments”
It’s a ridiculous stance by such an iconic brand with an iconic club. It seems it was just an opportunity for Holden to grab some PR and realign their investment. Certainly wasn’t about doing what was best for the “community” and backing the new female team is an absolute waste of money..
Are Holden reducing their spend on NINE for last weeks controversial comments that Karl Stefanovic made or the constant NRL gaffes ? No.
If you’re going to threaten to pull your sponsorship of Collingwood then be consistent.