Baidu PR chief who sparked PR nightmare over workplace culture is out, state media reports

The PR chief of Baidu has reportedly left the Chinese search engine just days after she sparked a public relations crisis with controversial comments endorsing a tough workplace culture.

The PR chief of Baidu has reportedly left the Chinese search engine just days after she sparked a public relations crisis with controversial comments endorsing a tough workplace culture. Qu Jing has left her position as vice president and head of communications, the Economic Review, a state-run financial news outlet, reported late Thursday, citing Baidu insiders. CNN has been shown a screenshot of a Baidu system that appears to confirm she no longer works at the company. Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a series of short videos posted last week on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, Qu spoke about her devotion to her job, strict management style and unflagging demands on her direct reports, hitting a raw nerve with young workers fed up with grueling hours and relentless pressure. In one video, she lashed out at an employee who refused to go on a 50-day business trip during the Covid-19 pandemic, when China imposed stringent travel restrictions and quarantines. “Why should I take my employee’s family into consideration? I’m not her mother-in-law,” Qu said. “I’m 10 years, 20 years older than you. I didn’t feel bitter about it or tired, even though I have two children. Who are you to tell me that your husband can’t stand it?” In another clip, Qu shared her personal sacrifices as a working mother. She was working so hard that she forgot her elder son’s birthday and what grade her younger son was in at school. She said she didn’t regret it because she “chose to become a career woman.”