A group of international business leaders and alumni of Harvard Business School’s OPM 29 program have issued an open letter expressing deep concern over the recent imprisonment of Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, two prominent Georgian businessmen and civic leaders.
In the letter, the signatories, who represent diverse industries and regions around the world, call the imprisonment a troubling development and voice their strong support for their classmates. They emphasize Khazaradze and Japaridze’s longstanding commitment to Georgia’s development, their personal integrity, and the positive impact they have had both locally and globally.
"We, the undersigned, are alumni of Harvard Business School’s OPM 29 programme and business leaders from around the world. We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the recent imprisonment of our classmates, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze. Over the years, we have come to know them as men of principle, vision, and unwavering commitment to the people of Georgia – and we feel compelled to offer our perspective on their character and contributions at this difficult time.
In 2013, they welcomed us to Georgia for a Harvard Business School reunion. They encouraged us to invest in your country, introduced us to government officials, and invited us to serve as goodwill ambassadors – sharing Georgia’s story and promise with the world. Their love for their country and commitment to its progress are evident. Our support for Mamuka and Badri is based on the following convictions:
Integrity and Character
We have known Mamuka for more than two decades. Throughout our time together and in the years since, Mamuka has demonstrated integrity, humility, and moral conviction. Those who know him can attest to his deep sense of responsibility and his passion for building rather than tearing down. The same is true for Badri – a trusted business partner and man of honour. Their reputations stand above reproach in our international business community.
Contribution to Georgia’s Development
Mamuka and Badri have dedicated their lives to rebuilding and reimagining a stronger Georgia. They co-founded TBC Bank, a cornerstone of the Georgian economy. They revived Borjomi mineral water, restored Château Mukhrani and its historic winery, and founded the American Academy in Tbilisi, a world-class institution, among other notable achievements.
Their contribution extends far beyond business. They are enthusiastic supporters of Georgia’s cultural life, investing in the arts, music, literature, and sports. Their philanthropic efforts are as significant as their entrepreneurial success.
Patriots Committed to Georgia’s Future
Mamuka and Badri are not just successful entrepreneurs – they are patriots. Their efforts have always centred on advancing the interests of their homeland. They have garnered international attention for Georgia, attracted investment, and helped position your country as a modern, inclusive, and respected nation. From our perspective, their commitment to Georgia’s progress is selfless – in words and in action.
We find it difficult to reconcile their proven integrity, global standing, and decades of nation-building with their current imprisonment. We respectfully ask that the courts consider not only the facts of the case but also the character, legacy, and values of these two proud Georgians. We respectfully request that the court consider the enormous contributions our friends have made to the beautiful state of Georgia and to the individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of theirhomeland.
We fell in love with Georgia and stand in support of our friends, trusting that our letter of friendship to Georgia will be received in a positive and constructive spirit. We are deeply committed to Georgia, and we sincerely care for the well-being of our friends.
Signed,
Alumni of Harvard Business School – OPM 29
Avi Hadar – USA, Israel
Rik F. Van Hemmen – USA, Holland
Alex (Alejandro) Sucre – Canada
Bill Clough – Australia
Bill Harris – USA
Dan Hincks – USA
David Callahan – USA
Deep Kapuria – India
Eddy Kelly - USA
Doug Eddleman – USA
Eric Roudi – USA
Fred Blumer – USA
Garland Simon – USA
Gayle Thompson Collier – USA
Geoffery Moss – USA
Jean Kelley – USA
Joe Heaney – USA
Michael Grisanti – USA
John Andreoli – USA
Ken Bridges – Australia
Ladislav Sedivy – Czech Republic
Lambert Van Der Nest – South
Africa
Mark Bauerly – USA
Mark Gasser – USA
Mark McGahan – USA
William Fulton – UK
Munir Walji – USA
Pilar Deza – Peru
Rex Curtis – USA
Rolando Alfonso Well Gomez –
Venezuela
Sam Blatchford – USA
Shoba Purushothaman – India
Steven Fielding – USA
Tim Waygood – UK
Stefan Schmersal - Germany
Doug Eddleman – USA
Eric Roudi – USA
Fred Blumer – USA
Garland Simon – USA
Gayle Thompson Collier – USA
Geoffery Moss – USA
Jean Kelley – USA
Joe Heaney – USA
Michael Grisanti – USA
Hector Bello - Mexico
John Andreoli – USA
Ken Bridges – Australia
Ladislav Sedivy – Czech Republic
Lambert Van Der Nest – South
Africa
Mark Bauerly – USA
Mark Gasser – USA
Mark McGahan – USA
William Fulton – UK
Barry Brill - New Zealand
Munir Walji – USA
Pilar Deza – Peru
Rex Curtis – USA
Rolando Alfonso Well Gomez –
Venezuela
Sam Blatchford – USA
Shoba Purushothaman – India
Steven Fielding – USA
Tim Waygood – UK
