NEWSAccenture is First Sponsor to Drop Tiger Woods
Dec. 14 2009, Published 10:30 a.m. ET
Tiger Woods has been at the center of the global consulting firm Accenture PLC's ads for six years, but yesterday the company cut ties with the shamed golfer after the revelations of his multiple infidelities and his decision to take indefinite leave from the sport.
In its first statement since Tiger's troubles surfaced, Accenture said the sports star is "no longer the right representative" after the "circumstances of the last two weeks."
The firm says its "Go on, be a Tiger" campaign boosted its image significantly, reports the Associated Press.
"After careful consideration and analysis, the company has determined that he is no longer the right representative for its advertising," Accenture said, adding that "it wishes only the best for Tiger Woods and his family."
Accenture's advertising campaign was almost entirely built around Tiger and his success, portraying his ability to sink a key putt or hit out of the rough.
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"Accenture has made a decision to not continue with their sponsorship. We are disappointed but respect their decision," said Mark Steinberg, Tiger's agent at IMG Worldwide.
Meanwhile, Gillette said it will hold off on airing advertisements featuring Tiger, or including him in public appearances for an unspecified time.
Gatorade has discontinued its Tiger Focus sports drink but pledges to maintain the company's partnership with him.
