The CEO of an Idaho construction company was forced to step down after he was caught on camera giving what appeared to be a Nazi salute – which he claimed was done as a ‘parody’ – during a company event.
Tom Hill, the chief executive at Engineered Structures Inc., announced his resignation on Monday after the video of him giving two straight-arm salutes and thumping his chest while on stage at an annual company event last week went viral.
‘It is with a heavy heart that I announce my voluntary resignation as CEO of ESI Construction and Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately,’ Hill said in a statement shared by the company on Monday.
‘While my behavior was never intended to promote hatred or extremist views, I recognize that it has rightfully generated intense backlash and has overshadowed the mission of our company.
‘I understand that as a leader, I must exemplify the highest standards of conduct and integrity,’ he continued. ‘Please accept my sincere apologies for the hurt I have caused.’Â
But his resignation only came after Hill whined about being castigated as a ‘Christian, Republican [and] a patriot.’
Hill also released a statement apologizing for his actions and lamenting that his ‘attempt at humor and parody fell short.’
He tried to explain on Friday that he was putting on a ‘political skit’ that mocked President Donald Trump’s dance moves and Elon Musk’s controversial salute at the inauguration as photos of the president flashed behind him.
Tom Hill, the chief executive at Engineered Structures Inc., was caught on camera giving two straight-arm salutes and thumping his chest while on stage at an annual company event
‘I did so as a commentary on the craziness of our political environment and nothing more,’ Hill said in a statement posted to the company’s Facebook page, which turned off comments.
‘Without a doubt, I unequivocally reject any association with hate groups and/or hate toward any group of people.
‘I sincerely regret that my actions offended anyone or could be taken so out of context.’
Yet in an initial statement to local news site Boise Dev the embattled CEO said that people ‘will hate me’ for being a ‘Christian, Republican [and] a patriot.’
He reportedly went on to say that he wished ‘they would be honest about why they choose to hate me.’Â
As the criticism mounted, Hill released another statement on Sunday admitting he made a gesture that is ‘not only inappropriate but also profoundly hurtful.’
‘That salute is one of the most recognizable of all Nazi symbols and when used represents hate, oppression and unspeakable atrocities – a reminder of an era that inflicted deep suffering on millions,’ he said.
He went on to acknowledge that his initial apology ‘significantly missed the mark’ as he said ESI Construction was assembling a task force to review workplace practices and its communications at events.
As criticism mounted, Hill announced his resignation on Monday
The salute came at a difficult time for the company, which broke ground on its new ESI Construction Management Building at Boise State University on January 24, according to the Idaho Statesman.Â
As backlash against Hill mounted, the university was forced to issue its own statement.
‘We have spoken with senior leadership at ESI about this matter,’ University President Marlene Tromp said before Hill’s resignation was announced.
‘We expect ESI to hold true to the commitments they have made in the statement addressing the concerning incident.’
‘We stand firm in rejecting hate in all forms; we condemn violence and harassment; and we strive to create and foster a community that treats everyone with dignity and respect,’ she added.
He said he was putting on a ‘political skit’ that mocked President Donald Trump ‘s dance moves and Elon Musk’s controversial salute at the inauguration as photos of the president flashed behind him
The company is also in the process of fighting a federal lawsuit brought by a former employee who claimed the company fraudulently obtained Payroll Protection Program funding in 2022, Boise Dev reports.Â
The suit claimed ESI laid off 80 to 100 employees shortly after stay-at-home orders began in an effort to gets its numbers below 500 so that it could qualify for a loan.
ESI has denied the allegations, and filed two motions to dismiss the case, both of which were denied.
It notes that the Small Business Administration guidelines to get a PPP loan required companies to use an average number of employees from the previous year or previous 12 months of pay periods – so a mass layoff ahead of obtaining the loan would not help.
The company also claimed the Department of Justice investigated the company and decided not to pursue them, calling the lawsuit ‘a desperate attempt to recover funds’ by a former employee.
‘ESI has done nothing wrong and accordingly the fines sought by the former employee are not concerning,’ Chief Legal Officer Michael Kimmel told the outlet.
‘ESI vehemently denies the allegations, has counsel and is defending the salacious and unsupported claims brought by its former employees.’
The embattled company will now be headed by former President Neil Nelson, who will also take over as chairman of the board.
‘Our focus now is on healing and moving forward,’ he said in a statement.
‘We are dedicated to ensuring that our mission remains clear and that every decision we make reflects the principles that define ESI Construction.
‘I am confident we will emerge a more compassionate company,’ he added.Â