Buhler Industries has restructured its board in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, accepting the resignation of Konstanin Babkin and replacing its chairman.
In a statement, the company said Babkin was replaced due to being a vocal supporter of the actions taken by the Russian Federation.
“These views are in stark contrast to those of the North American executive team and do not reflect the position or values of Buhler Industries,” the statement reads.
He will be replaced by Adam Reid, currently the vice-president of sales and marketing. Reid has over 15 years of experience with the company and has been pivotal in recent growth, building trust and relationships with the Versatile dealer network, the statement reads.
The move comes after Babkin recently expressed publicly his support for the invasion of Ukraine. Last weekend, in an interview with a Chinese state-owned broadcaster, Babkin blamed Russia’s attack on interference from the United States.
Some days earlier, Babkin, who is leader of a Russian socially conservative political party called the Party of Business, tweeted the party’s support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize two separatist-controlled areas recognized by the international community as Ukrainian territory, which led up to the current invasion.
Buhler Industries is owned by Russian conglomerate Novoe Sodrugestvo CJSC, which also owns Russian tractor maker Rostselmash, where Putin has toured and met with management and employees.
In other changes to its board, Buher announced Grant Adolph has been appointed chairman. Adolph is currently a member of the board and served as chief operating officer. He has been with the company since 1975 and has held various roles in product development, engineering, production and management.
Ossama AbouZeid has been appointed as a director on the board and chairman of the audit committee. AbouZeid has prior experience having served as president and chief financial officer of Buhler Industries. AbouZeid is replacing John Buhler who has decided to retire, according to the statement.
