Tony Fernandes Sparks Debate By Going Topless During Virtual Call With His Employees
The AirAsia chief executive officer (CEO) was receiving a massage during the virtual meeting.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 18 Oct 2023, 03:16 PM
A shirtless photo of Capital A and AirAsia chief Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who was receiving a massage during a virtual meeting, has gone viral on LinkedIn
On Monday, 16 October, Fernandes wrote on LinkedIn that he appreciates the culture that exists within the low-cost Malaysian airline.
"[It] was a stressful week and Veranita Yosephine suggested a massage. Got to love Indonesia and AirAsia culture that I can have a massage and do a management meeting," he said in the post.
"We are making big progress and I have now finalised Capital A structure. Exciting days ahead. Proud of what we have built and never have lost sight of the finish," he added.
The photo attached to the post shows a shirtless Fernandes sitting in a boardroom-like space and facing a tablet, while receiving a massage from a woman wearing an apron and face mask.
The post garnered worldwide interest shortly after, with international portals, including Bloomberg, USA Today, and Business Insider, featuring reports about the chief executive officer (CEO)'s unusual meeting
Rebecca Nadillo, a strategy and branding executive with previous stints at Meta and ad agency BBDO, was among the followers who criticised Fernandes for his lack of professionalism.
"I don't think the women in your company would feel comfortable or safe in this context, and given you're the boss, they likely won't challenge you or say anything," said Nadillo.
Advertising veteran Cindy Gallop also voiced her dissatisfaction against Fernandes' action, writing, "In no universe is this a good or appropriate idea – in the meeting, as a photograph, nor on LinkedIn."
In response, Fernandes explained that he had just endured an 18-hour flight and was in pain, and that the massage was a spontaneous suggestion by somebody in the Indonesia operation
The AirAsia CEO then deleted the post.
"You can never really explain the thought process behind a post, so I deleted it... I didn't mean to offend anyone," he told Bloomberg.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the communications team at AirAsia told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the unconventional photo might have raised some questions, but they clarified that it was taken during a unique moment when Fernandes was multitasking by juggling a management meeting and receiving a brief shoulder massage.
"Everyone on the call, including our female management, was asked if they were comfortable if he had a shoulder massage after 18 hours of work. We have a fun, friendly, and open culture at Capital A that values productivity, efficiency, as well as transparency.
"Lastly, we want to note this image was shared with full approval from the PR department, and no comments were intentionally deleted," said the spokesperson.
