Aged 59, Robert Brands had beenVariblend’s CEO since June 2014.

Packaging company VariBlend announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Brands died following an ATV accident while on holiday with his two grown sons in Oklahoma.

On behalf of the Company, we would like to express our appreciation for all of the significant contributions that Robert has made. He was a seasoned and accomplished leader of integrity who was dedicated to his work and will be greatly missed. His drive to excellence, determination, respect for and commitment to our Company will inspire and stay with us always. Above all else, we mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and children during this difficult period,” said the company in a release.

In order to ensure the continued growth, stability and general continuity of VariBlend, the company’s Board of Directors have appointed Mr. Eric Lauerwald, a long term owner and Director of VariBlend, as VariBlend’s Interim CEO. “Mr. Lauerwald has been actively involved in the company since 2008. He is an engineer with substantial operating experience both in the US and abroad; he worked closely with Mr. Brands, has intimate knowledge of VariBlend’s operations on many levels and will lead the company until a more permanent solution can be put in place,” the company added.

Aged 59, Robert Brands had beenVariblend’s CEO since June 2014. Prior to his work at VariBlend, Robert was President for the Lindal Group in the Americas. Previously, he was Managing Director of the Personal Care Division of Rexam, which included dispensing systems, make-up and home and personal care businesses. Brands, who in recent years was a highly sought-after Innovation consultant, authored (with Martin Kleinman) Robert’s Rules of Innovation, a 10-Step Program for Corporate Survival, published in 2010, and Robert’s Rules of Innovation: The Art of Innovation (2015).