GoDaddy, a web hosting company, has shifted its marketing strategy to move away from its earlier controversial sexually suggestive advertisements. The company’s new CEO, Blake Irving, is steering the firm towards a more inclusive and less offensive image. GoDaddy’s new advertisements are now focused on small businesses and their owners, showcasing their stories and challenges.
This change in advertising style is part of a broader transformation in the tech industry, which is grappling with issues of sexism and diversity. GoDaddy, known for its Super Bowl commercials featuring scantily clad women, has been scrutinised for contributing to a culture of sexism in the industry.
In the past five years, GoDaddy has made significant strides towards gender equality within its ranks. The company’s gender pay gap has nearly disappeared, and the number of women in executive roles has increased. This shift in corporate culture is also reflected in its advertisements, which now feature successful women entrepreneurs.
Despite the positive changes, GoDaddy still faces challenges, including a lawsuit from a former employee alleging gender and pregnancy discrimination. The company is also grappling with the broader issue of diversity, with a lack of representation from racial and ethnic minorities.
Go to source article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/23/business/godaddy-tv-ads-sexism.html