Saudi Arabia has stopped taking on new work for consultants as ongoing conflict tightens the state’s finances, signaling tighter spending and potential disruption for advisory services.
Beijing has fined consulting firm Mintz as part of its crackdown on consultants, signaling a stricter regulatory environment for foreign companies operating in China. The move comes as Beijing seeks to tighten control over the consulting industry and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Anheuser-Busch is reorganizing the management of its Bud Light brand after a boycott by conservative drinkers. Bud Light marketing VP Alissa Heinerscheid is taking a leave of absence and being replaced by Todd Allen. The company has also hired two consultants with experience in Washington, D.C.'s conservative circles to advise the brand moving forward. The consultants will advise "general policy regarding the alcohol-beverage industry." The controversy began after Bud Light sent transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney a personalized pack of beer as part of an ad for the company's March Madness contest and to celebrate a year since Mulvaney began identifying as a woman.
Best Buy is cutting jobs across its 900 US stores, affecting hundreds of consultants who specialize in selling complex products such as computers and smartphones. The move is part of the retailer's efforts to lower costs and shift its business as more sales happen online. The tasks performed by consultants will be moved to a smaller number of similar roles, and affected employees can reapply for open positions within the company or receive severance. Best Buy has made a string of store-level job cuts over the past two years as demand for electronics and appliances softened compared with earlier in the pandemic and as the company responds to shifting buying habits.
Best Buy is cutting store jobs across the US, with many store workers who specialize in selling complex products being told their jobs will be eliminated. The electronics and appliance retailer is working to lower costs and shift its business as more sales happen online.
UBS has shortlisted four consultants to help with the integration of Credit Suisse's asset management business, which it acquired earlier this year. The consultants are said to be McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Oliver Wyman and Bain & Company.