Sunday, January 22, 2012

RIM’s Jim Balsillie And Mike Lazaridis Step Down, Names Thorsten Heins New CEO


RIM's New CEO

Board Acts on Recommendation of Co-CEOs to Implement Succession Plan - Mike Lazaridis Named Vice Chair of the Board - Jim Balsillie Remains a Director - Barbara Stymiest Named Independent Board Chair - Prem Watsa Named Independent Director

WATERLOO, ONTARIO, Jan 22, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Board of Directors of BlackBerry(R) maker Research In Motion (RIM) /quotes/zigman/18534/quotes/nls/rimm RIMM +0.53% /quotes/zigman/18555 CA:RIM -3.09% today announced that, acting on the recommendation of its Co-Chief Executive Officers to implement the succession plan they previously submitted to the Board, it has unanimously named Thorsten Heins as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Heins was also appointed to RIM's Board. The Board acted after conducting its own due diligence. Both appointments are effective immediately.
Mike Lazaridis, former Co-Chair and Co-CEO, has become Vice Chair of RIM's Board and Chair of the Board's new Innovation Committee. As Vice Chair, he will work closely with Mr. Heins to offer strategic counsel, provide a smooth transition and continue to promote the BlackBerry brand worldwide.
Mr. Heins said he looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Lazaridis, globally recognized as a technology pioneer. He said, "Mike created a whole new way of communicating and I look forward to continuing our close collaboration."

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