RIM streamlines top management, to cut 2,000 jobs

Nieuws Mobiel Wereld 25 JUL 2011
RIM streamlines top management, to cut 2,000 jobs
Research In Motion announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs and streamline its top management in an effort to boost growth. The company gave more details on its cost optimisation plan first announced in June, saying North America employees will be the first to get their notice this week. After the 2,000 lay-offs across its global workforce, RIM will have a total of around 17,000 employees. Management changes include the retirement of Don Morrison, the COO for BlackBerry who is currently on temporary medical leave. Thorsten Heins, COO for product engineering, will take on the expanded role of COO, Product and Sales. He will oversee all product engineering including hardware and software, a change that is expected to produce efficiencies and quicker product launches. The regional sales director Patrick Spence is taking on the role of Managing Director, Global Sales and Regional Marketing. He will report to and work with Heins, focusing on better integration of product development and regional market needs and and support for operators and distributors. Robin Bienfait is maintaining her responsibilities as CIO, including BlackBerry Operations, Customer Service and Corporate IT functions, and also taking on responsibility for the Enterprise Business Unit. David Yach, in his role as CTO, Software, will focus on current and future software platforms, as well as the surrounding developer and application ecosystem. Jim Rowan is taking on the expanded role of COO, Operations and will continue to be responsible for manufacturing, global supply chain and repair services. He will also now oversee the Organizational Development and Facilities Management functions. Brian Bidulka, RIM's CFO, is working with Rowan to oversee the cost-cutting programme. The costs of the plan will be announced closer to the next quarterly results announcement, set for 15 September. They are not included in the company's current guidance.

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