San Francisco, NFAPost: Amid growing uncertainties in Russia due to the Ukrain war, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna informed employees that the company is ending all operations in Russia after several months of freezing activities in Russia.
In a statement, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said he had shared on March 7th the company’s decision to suspend IBM’s business operations in Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
He pointed out that that the company’s focus in the next few months will be looking after the safety and security of all employees and their families in impacted regions.
“We chose to suspend operations so that we could evaluate longer-term options while continuing to pay and provide for our employees in Russia. As the consequences of the war continue to mount and uncertainty about its long-term ramifications grows, we have now made the decision to carry out an orderly wind-down of IBM’s business in Russia. We see this move as both right and necessary, and a natural next step following our business suspension,” said IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.
Additionally, the CEO revealed that IBM has begun laying off employees in Russia. In early March, the New York-headquartered multinational technology corporation announced the suspension of its business in Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, but kept employees on the payroll.
He also made it clear that the suspension of operation will commence today and result in the separation of local workforce.
“Our colleagues in Russia have, through no fault of their own, endured months of stress and uncertainty. We recognize that this news is difficult, and I want to assure them that IBM will continue to stand by them and take all reasonable steps to provide support and make their transition as orderly as possible,” said IBM CEO Arvind Krishna.
He also thanked IBMers’ everywhere for all they have done to help the company, clients and communities navigate this crisis.
