David Kesmodel chats with Carlos Brito, the 50-year-old native of Rio de Janeiro who has helped to transform InBev NV into a global giant but faces a daunting challenge in reversing a 21-year slide in sales for its premier brands in the U.S., Budweiser and Bud Light. The Stanford M.B.A. eschews limos and other perks of his position because, as he tells his underlings, "Being efficient is what our consumers would do." That no-nonsense approach also applies to reviving Budweiser's top brands. "We have to do a better job of reinforcing the foundations of the brand," he says, …

Ariana Eunjung Cha reports that digital coupons use special bar codes that are packed with information such as the dates and times they were obtained, viewed and, ultimately, redeemed; the store where they were used and, sometimes, even the search terms typed to find them. Retailers are blending this data with information discovered online and off to create customer profiles that are more detailed than ever which, of course, raises concerns about privacy and may lead to legislation to curb what information can be used. As part of a special issue on mobile marketing, Adweek's Brain Morrissey …

Guy in an orange shirt walks up to the camera on a dock and says, "I'm Darryl Willis. I oversee BP's claims process on the Gulf Coast. BP has got to make things right, and that's why we're here." Who is Darryl Willis? He is VP of resources for BP, based in Houston, reports Edmund Lee, and he grew up in New Orleans. Some say he's a better spokesman for the fractured oil company than CEO Tony Hayward (who wouldn't be). "Willis has been setting up and overseeing BP's claims offices in the affected …

Brent Snavely reports that Lincoln's future depends on new small, stylish cars and SUVs that broaden the brand's lineup and give Ford's only remaining luxury brand a clear identity, according to dealers and analysts. The decision to end production of Mercury gives Ford an opportunity it didn't have before, said Erich Merkle, president of the consulting company Autoconomy.com in Grand Rapids, Mich. "It will allow them to come down in terms of size." Ford plans to introduce seven all-new or significantly refreshed Lincoln vehicles over the next four years -- including its first-ever Lincoln in the …

General Mills said it has signed a deal making its Wheaties Fuel the official cereal of the Ironman Triathlon, reports Barry Janoff. Wheaties Fuel will support its role with the Ironman Triathlon with national TV, print and online advertising. The brand will also have such onsite activation at upcoming Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events as signage, sampling stations and a presence at the finish line "to help loved ones encourage their winners through the finish." Wheaties Fuel joins other Ironman Triathlon marketing partners including Ford Motor Co., PowerBar, Timex and Gatorade. Media partners include NBC Universal's …

Kirk Ladendorf tells us that Dell Inc. has laid out plans to shift to more cost-competitive computer designs, cut manufacturing costs, line up longer-term sales deals with retailers and save money by shipping more products in ships rather than by air freight. Company officials spoke at an annual briefing Thursday with financial and industry analysts, some of whom have criticized Dell's consumer operations as a drag on the company's financial performance. "Consumer has struggled over the last 18 months, and we have been very clear that we have been disappointed in it," said Brian Gladden, Dell's chief financial …

Elisabetta Gucci's plan to open a global chain of hotels under her name may be blocked by the luxury goods company founded by her great-grandfather, Zainab Fattah reports. The daughter of late fashion mogul Paolo Gucci, who designed the Italian brand's trademark stirrup, plans to open an 87-suite property in Dubai's Media World district by the end of the year, according to Lorens Ziller, managing director of her EG Hotels company. Branded EG Hotels by Elisabetta Gucci, it will showcase furniture designed by her and built by Formitalia. The Dubai hotel will be the first of 40 to …

Major League Eating's growth in recent years had brought along a new fan base for competitive eating, and new sponsorships. For the annual July 4th hot dog-eating contest in Coney Island, N.Y., Pepto Bismol will be joining the Nathan's Famous in promoting the event.