In a statement, Union Partners said it has named Mark Bula as executive vice president of corporate development. Bula previously served as Big River’s chief commercial officer and was part of its initial development team.

In his new role, Bula will oversee growth strategy for Union Partners and its family of companies.

“Mark Bula is a key addition to the Union Partners team," said Union Partners co-founders Chris Hutter and Paul Douglass. "His reputation in the industry is second to none, and his innovative and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental to our strategy moving forward."