RIM Will Streamline Operations With 2,000 Employee Layoffs
Research In Motion (Blackberry) plans to implement a “cost optimization program” at the expense of approximately 2,000 employee layoffs, which is roughly 10% of its current workforce.
RIM also announced they will be shifting former COO of Product Engineering, Thorsten Heins, into a position that makes him also COO of Product and Sales. Current COO, Dan Morrison, is retiring in the midst of a current medical leave. Additionally, Patrick Spence will take the role of Managing Director, Global Sales and Regional Marketing.
What is noteworthy about the change in leadership is that RIM appears to be creating a strategic shift in directors as Morrison and Spence are well known for turning businesses around despite being on the brink of a public collapse. Sadly, the business decision comes with the cost of 2,000 jobs as collateral damage.
