Submitted by Bob Burton on
Three months after the Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Deborah Powell, joined the board of PepsiAmericas, controversy continues over her dual roles. Senior vice president for health sciences at the university Frank Cerra defended Powell's role to Pioneer Press reporter Paul Tosto: "What better way to get knowledge about obesity into the company than by bringing it into the boardroom?" The company, which has revenues of $3.7 billion, describes itself as "the world's second-largest manufacturer, seller and distributor of PepsiCo beverages." Robert Jeffery, a director of the Obesity Prevention Center at the university, said Powell's appointment flagged the need for a "more serious conversation about where the ethical lines lie in corporate consulting." Michele Simon, the author of "Appetite for Profit," is critical of Powell's appointment: "When an expert joins this kind of board, clearly it's going to compromise their [the university's] ability to speak out."
Printer-friendly version
Comments
mrminnman replied on Permalink
Dr. Deborah Powell's Stupidity
The most ironic part of the article was Dr. Powell's assertion that "I didn't know that the position was paid!" This statement, of course, came from someone who wanted the public to trust her...
It also came at a time when Pepsi is going to significantly increase the amount of caffine in their soda! So all those little kidies out there will be hooked for life!
In my opinion, Dr. Powell brings shame to women everywhere...