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COMMENTARY |
Elizabeth A. Smith is with the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco. Ruth E. Malone is with the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, and the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Elizabeth A. Smith, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Box 0612, Laurel Heights Campus, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143 (e-mail: libbys{at}itsa.ucsf.edu).
| ABSTRACT |
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Philip Morris Companies, the worlds largest and most profitable tobacco seller, has changed its corporate name to The Altria Group. The company has also embarked on a plan to improve its corporate image.
Examination of internal company documents reveals that these changes have been planned for over a decade and that the company expects to reap specific and substantial rewards from them.
Tobacco control advocates should be alert to the threat Philip Morriss plans pose to industryfocused tobacco control campaigns.
Company documents also suggest what the vulnerabilities of those plans are and how advocates might best exploit them.
| INTRODUCTION |
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In preparing this article, we searched the Philip Morris Incorporated Document Web site (http://www.pmdocs.com), which provides access to millions of corporate documents, released as a result of the settlement of the state attorneys general lawsuits. Using terms such as "image," "corporate identity," and "Altria," as well as names of individuals and consulting companies in a "snowball" search strategy,2 we found more than 400 relevant documents dating back to the late 1980s. We also examined news articles following Philip Morriss announcement.
| ALTRIA |
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Philip Morris executives thought a name change would insulate the larger corporation and its other operating companies from the political pressures on tobacco. Previously, "Philip Morris" referred to the tobacco operating companies (Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris International), the Philip Morris Capital Corporation (an industrial leasing company), and the larger corporation, Philip Morris Companies, which also encompassed Kraft. Thus, tobacco control advocates could easily link the relatively uncontroversial food business to the cigarette industry through the parent company name. These connections were particularly useful for organizing boycotts (see http://www.infact.org).
Under a new name, however, those links will be much less obvious. "Philip Morris" will apply only to the tobacco companies. After establishing the new name, according to a 1993 meeting transcript, the company planned to tell pressure groups, "You should talk to our operating companies about specific issues."7 The different names will distance the corporation and its other operating companies from negative publicity. The relationship will be similar to that of Lorillard and Loews. Although the tobacco company Lorillard is wholly owned by Loews, neither Loews nor its consumer subsidiaries, Bulova, Loews Hotels, and CNA Financial Services (see http://www.loews.com/A557CC/Loews.nsf/aboutloews.htm), have been a significant target of tobacco control efforts.
There are more tangible reasons for a name change as well. Philip Morriss Corporate Affairs Five-Year Plan for 1990 to 1994 declared that image could affect the companys marketing success, legislative success, financial ratings, and ability to hire and retain good employees.8 A concurring 1994 proposal from CS First Boston Bank asserted that Philip Morris stock was undervalued because Philip Morris was "perceived [italics in original]" to be a tobacco company. If Philip Morris did nothing about this, the bank warned, it would continue to suffer financially: "we do not believe the tobacco taint will be short lived."9
The name "Altria" was chosen out of many possibilities.10 Once it was announced, one brand consultant remarked that the names purpose was "to make [Philip Morris] invisible."11 Another consultant implicitly agreed. "As a consumer brand name, Altria would be dreadful because you dont know what it means. . . . But since the only thing you will be able to buy that is called Altria will be a share of stock," he concluded that it didnt matter.12 The actual meaning of "Altria" has been a matter of discussion in the media. Philip Morris claimed it was derived from the Latin "altus," meaning "high," representing the companys desire to " reach higher to achieve greater financial strength and corporate responsibility."13 Some commentators pointed out that the "r" in Altria suggests a derivation from "altruism."14 Philip Morris denied that this was the intention.13
Company executives recognized that a name change had some potential hazards. One was that "[s]ome might well attack the move as running from tobacco."15 Even worse was the fear that the company "will be instantaneously labeled a tobacco company as soon as we launch the repositioning. . . . No gain. . . . Lots of pain!"7 To counter this, Philip Morris had to "create a perception of change that is deeper than just a name change," public relations firm Burson-Marsteller warned.3 Philip Morris management concurred: "This is critical to credibility."7 If it turned out to be only a name change, "its doomed."6,7
| "CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS" |
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Such repositioning had its own risks. Emphasizing Philip Morriss size could bring a backlash. Philip Morris wanted the sheer number (more than 200) of food and beverage brands they owned to signify "choice" to consumers.17,2123 But their consultants pointed out that it might instead suggest "high prices/less choice because it is monopolistic." The consultants recommended that Philip Morris "avoid the big business association with greed/profit orientation."4
| WHATS AT STAKE |
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Unless tobacco control activists take a strong, persistent, and consistent stand to combat Philip Morriss new image campaign, it could well succeed. According to a national opinion survey sponsored by Philip Morris, the general public believed that Philip Morris could change its image by getting out of the cigarette business, being "honest (especially about the relationship between smoking and cancer)," or stopping tobacco advertising, especially that aimed at children. But some also responded that "The easiest way out would be to change their name."4,19
This will be a struggle over image, and the company has a powerful advantage. Philip Morris has been in the business of marketing a product that is almost entirely image for over 150 years.24 The meaning of cigarettes lies entirely in their packaging and marketinga brands actual qualities have little to do with the publics perception of it. Yet each brand has a distinct identity and meaning of its own; even nonsmokers can name "differences" between Virginia Slims, Marlboro, and Benson & Hedges.
Philip Morris will be marketing its new image, "consumer packaged goods company," and new name, Altria, which, like cigarettes, are empty vessels waiting to be filled with meaning. Tobacco control advocates should try to establish that meaning before the company can.
So far, Philip Morris has been extremely cagey. In news stories, company spokespeople have emphasized that the new name is for "clarity" and reflects Philip Morriss "evolution."1 But the companys internal documents show that Altria, rather than clarifying, is intended to obscure the fact that Philip Morriss main source of profits is still tobacco.13 Although numerous negative or sarcastic commentaries about the name have been published, Philip Morris has not responded.12,14,2529 Steve Parrish, senior vice president for corporate affairs, denies that Philip Morris is attempting to distance itself from tobacco. "We are not lessening our commitment to the business," he told the New York Times. "Philip Morris means tobacco."30
He gives the impression of candor, but the reality is subtler. "Philip Morris" will continue to refer to tobacco, while Altria avoids the connotation. Philip Morris has been working on this change for more than a dozen years. Now that it has been announced, the company is prepared for the transition to take time.
Philip Morris wants to change its image without appearing to try. Like the class misfit trying to fit in with the cool kids, Philip Morris knows that the appearance of effort is fatal, drawing attention to why it shouldnt be accepted by the community of "good corporate citizens." Therefore, Philip Morris would have us believe that they have already made the necessary changes. The company is presenting the name and repositioning as the culmination of a "successful effort to improve the image of the Philip Morris family of companies."1 This effort has included "Ask First/Its the Law" (a program that stipulated company sanctions on retailers who sold cigarettes to minors)31 and the launch of the Philip Morris Web site in 1999.32 The Web site (http://www.philipmorris.com) acknowledges that smoking is addictive and causes cancer and other diseases.
Parrish described the Web site as part of program of "constructive engagement."32 Although he claimed to the press that this was an effort to "open a dialogue,"33 his remarks in internal documents stress that the Web site is part of an "image enhancement effort."32 Philip Morriss support of antidomestic violence programs is yet another part of this effort.30 The company has spent more on publicizing their philanthropy in this and other arenas than they spent on the good works themselves, which strongly suggests that image is more important than charity.34,35 Philip Morris claims that the company is already "viewed as changing for the better and becoming a more responsible corporate citizen."1 Some tobacco control advocates have argued that the name change represents a change in direction from these image enhancement efforts.36 However, the documents make clear that they are all part of one well-planned and coordinated campaign.
| WHAT CAN ADVOCATES DO? |
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Additionally, Philip Morriss own research indicates that they are very unpopular with the public and with leaders.19,3740 "Altria is Philip Morris" is another message advocates should work to deliver.
Advocates should also resist being sidelined to the Philip Morris operating company. The Wirthlin Group concluded that "The environment for the company is not favorable particularly if we are positioned narrowly" and that "fighting public battles over tobacco issues" was not an effective tactic and could even make influencing policy "more difficult . . . if linked to tobacco too directly [italics in original]."23 "Altria" is an effort to broaden the issues, to include food and beverages in the discussion, thereby diluting the tobacco issue. Thus, it is important to make Altria fight those battles. Force them to explain why "Altria" is different or should not be held accountable; this will keep the tobacco connections out in the open.
Philip Morriss use of "choice" should be undermined in precisely the ways they fear. Contrast choice with addiction, and with the involuntary inhalation of secondhand smoke. Public health advocates could develop campaigns that contrast "choice" with "monopoly" as well. Philip Morriss consultants warned that that the company "must avoid publicity and perceptions that dramatize its size, such as how much of the grocery shelf space/sales are controlled by P/M."4
This may be a useful image for advocates to appropriate. Its difficult to talk about the multitude of brands that Philip Morris owns, but emphasizing Philip Morriss monopolistic tendencies might be a way around that problem. Rather than specifying each individual brand, advocates might talk about the companys dominance of entire categories, such as cigarettes, cookies, and cereal. (For a complete list of Philip Morris products, see http://www.altria.com/download/pdf/investors_2001_AnnRpt_ProdList_Sect8.pdf).
Advocates could also work to undermine phrases such as "consumer packaged goods company." Philip Morris is counting on the phrases meaninglessness to gloss over the content of their business. Tobacco control campaigns could encourage people to ask: What goods? Whats in the package? These questions can be framed to apply both to tobacco and to business practices such as aggressive marketing in developing countries and political contributions and campaigns.
Anticipating attacks, Philip Morris has purchased Web domain names such as www.altriakills.com, www.altria-stinks.org, and www.altriasucks.net. (The authors have acquired www.altriameanstobacco.com, where a free presentation of information discussed in this commentary and helpful links are available.) Persistence is likely to be important. Humor may also be a useful tool in impressing on people the Altriatobacco link (cartoon).
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None of these strategies is new. However, they will be more important now Philip Morris has succeeded in changing its name to The Altria Group. This move is part of a campaign to boost Philip Morriss visibility and reputation, while concealing its tobacco interests. It could be successful, particularly in combination with increasing attention to overseas markets, where tobacco control is not as well developed as in the United States. It is up to advocates to make sure that Altria does mean tobacco.
| Acknowledgments |
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We thank Larry Goldsmith and Naphtali Offen for their comments and suggestions.
| Footnotes |
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Accepted for publication December 16, 2002.
| References |
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2. Malone RE, Balbach ED. Tobacco industry documents: treasure trove or quagmire? Tob Control.2000;9:334338.
3. Burson-Marstellar. The corporate name. June 16, 1989. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023276803/6813. Accessed January 22, 2002.
4. Wirthlin Group. VISTA values in strategic assessment volume II. November 12, 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2025415606/5731. Accessed February 1, 2002.
5. Hill & Knowlton. 920000 corporate affairs world conference workshop results draft executive summary. 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023645195/5213. Accessed February 5, 2002.
6. Wirthlin Group. Building a strategic positioning with impact for the Philip Morris Companies. March 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023465153/5222. Accessed February 4, 2002.
7. [NewCo. outline]. December 6, 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023437417/7455. Accessed January 16, 2002.
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9. CS 1st Boston. Materials prepared for discussion Philip Morris Companies, Inc. September 13, 1994. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031593041/3086. Accessed January 22, 2002.
10. Landor Associates. Philip Morris identity development program. December 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023437377/7409. Accessed January 16, 2002.
11. Treanor J. Philip Morris buries past with Latin. Guardian.November 17, 2001;City section:25.
12. Elliott S. If Philip Morris becomes Altria, its corporate image may lose some of the odor of stale smoke. New York Times.November 19, 2001:C13.
13. Levin M. Philip Morris plans name change to Altria Group. Los Angeles Times.November 16, 2001;Business section:1.
14. Lazarus D. Name change is an exercise in futility: so whats in a name? Lots of spin. San Francisco Chronicle.December 5, 2001:B1.
15. Fuller C. Corporate positioning and managing change. June 30, 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023027613/7616. Accessed February 5, 2002.
16. Smith GL. A confidential assessment and discussion of objectives and direction for the corporate affairs department of Philip Morris Companies, Inc. May 7, 1989. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023276843/6860. Accessed January 23, 2002.
17. Hill & Knowlton. Philip Morris corporate affairs strategic plan for 930000. December 3, 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023586677/6725. Accessed February 4, 2002.
18. PM image study initial findings. 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031599499/9501. Accessed January 29, 2002.
19. Philip Morris, Wirthlin Group. Philip Morris companies a national opinion surveytopline results. January 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031599541/9584. Accessed February 4, 2002.
20. Wirthlin Group. Reasons why people change/do not change their ratings of Philip Morris and Kraft after discovering their relationship. July 1993. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031599304/9347. Accessed February 4, 2002.
21. A presentation to the committee on public affairs and social responsibility on marketing and defending the corporate brand in 930000. November 12, 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023586662/6676. Accessed February 1, 2002.
22. Meeting report corporate identity program 910118. January 18, 1991. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2025417749/7752. Accessed January 16, 2002.
23. Wirthlin Group. Presentation to the committee on public affairs and social responsibility defending the corporate brandtobacco 921216. December 4, 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2024672254/2284. Accessed February 4, 2002.
24. Mahar M. The tobacco industry going up in smoke? The tobacco industrys image grows increasingly tarnished. July 9, 1990. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2023028061A/8069. Accessed February 19, 2002.
25. Elliott S. Philip Morris identity crisis never seems to go away. New York Times.November 22, 2001:C1.
26. Tobacco by any other name . . . Bangkok Post.November 20, 2001.
27. Jackson DZ. Name change cant vindicate Philip Morris: welcome to Altria Country. Boston Globe.November 21, 2001:A23.
28. Skenazy L. Altria is really smokin. New York Daily News.December 2, 2001:39.
29. Kalson S. The more names change, the more things remain the same. Pittsburgh Post Gazette.November 28, 2001;Lifestyle section:B1.
30. Schwartz J. Philip Morris to change name to Altria. New York Times.November 16, 2001:C1.
31. Wollenberg S. Cigarette maker to battle sales to minors Philip Morris seeks to counter bad image. June 28, 1995. Fort Worth Star Telegram. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2044779664. Accessed January 29, 2002.
32. Parrish SC. Steven C. Parrish Top 70 PM-USA Landsdowne, VA 991103. November 3, 1999. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2070744708/4729. Accessed January 18, 2002.
33. Levin M. Philip Morris new campaign echoes medical experts tobacco: company tries to rebuild its image on TV and on line with frank health admissions about smoking and by publicizing its charitable causes. October 13, 1999. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2072366015A/6017. Accessed February 5, 2002.
34. Weiss T. Ad campaign filters image of Philip Morris. Hartford Courant.May 29, 2001;Life section:D1.
35. Big tobaccos latest smoke screen. San Francisco Chronicle.November 27, 2000:A22.
36. Myers ML. Philip Morris changes its name, but not its harmful practices. Tob Control.2002;11:169170.
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38. Wirthlin Group. Philip Morris Companies a national opinion survey. December 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2025415379/5399. Accessed February 1, 2002.
39. Wirthlin Group. US image studygeneral publictopline results. December 1992. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031599430/9434. Accessed February 4, 2002.
40. Wirthlin Group. Corporate image and issues, a survey of the American public and opinion leaders. April 1994. Available at: http://www.pmdocs.com. Bates no. 2031599097/9189. Accessed January 29, 2002.
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