CBJ.ca - The Canadian Business Journal: Balsillie, Lazaridis done as RIM Co-CEOs

Balsillie, Lazaridis done as RIM Co-CEOs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CBJ Jan 23 - The Board of Directors of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM)
announced that, acting on the recommendation of its Co-CEOs to implement the
succession plan they previously submitted to the Board, it has unanimously named
Thorsten Heins as President and CEO. Heins was also appointed to RIM's Board.
Both appointments are effective immediately. Mike Lazaridis, former Co-Chair and
Co-CEO, becomes Vice-Chair of RIM's Board, and Chair of the Board's new
Innovation Committee. As Vice-Chair, he will work closely with Heins to offer
strategic counsel, provide a smooth transition and continue to promote the
BlackBerry brand worldwide.
Heins said he looks forward to continuing to work with Lazaridis, who is
globally recognized as a technology pioneer. Heins said, "Mike created a whole
new way of communicating and I look forward to continuing our close
collaboration."
On the transition to CEO by Heins, Lazaridis said, "There comes a time in the
growth of every successful company when the founders recognize the need to pass
the baton to new leadership. Jim and I went to the Board and told them that we
thought that time was now. With BlackBerry 7 now out, PlayBook 2.0 shipping in
February and BlackBerry 10 expected to ship later this year, the company is
entering a new phase, and we felt it was time for a new leader to take it
through that phase and beyond. Jim, the Board and I all agreed that leader
should be Thorsten Heins."
Jim Balsillie remains a member of the Board. "I agree this is the right time to
pass the baton to new leadership, and I have complete confidence in Thorsten,
the management team, and the company," he said. "I remain a significant
shareholder and a Director and, of course, they will have my full support."
Lazaridis said that he decided to move from Co-Chair to Vice Chair-of the Board
in order to return the public's focus to what is most important, describing,
"the great company we have built, its iconic products, global brand and its
talented employees."