Following a break in operations earlier this year, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna informed employees that the company is ceasing all operations in Russia and has begun layoffs.
In a message to employees, Krishna stated that the company’s first priority has been to protect the safety and security of IBMers and their families in the affected areas for months.
Although the company halted operations in March, employees were paid.
“We chose to suspend operations so that we could evaluate longer-term options while continuing to pay and provide for our employees in Russia,” the CEO wrote in the letter.
“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,” he added.
He stated that the corporation views this move as both right and necessary and a natural next step after the suspension of operations.
“This process will commence today and result in the separation of our local workforce. Our colleagues in Russia have, through no fault of their own, endured months of stress and uncertainty,” Krishna said.
“We recognise 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,” he added.
