RIM's Last Remaining Co-Founder Leaves BlackBerry

Mike Lazaridis, the last remaining RIM co-founder and former co-CEO, is leaving BlackBerry, reports the WSJ. He will retire as vice-chairman effective May 1st.

“[RIM CEO] Thorsten [Heins] and his team did an excellent job in completing BlackBerry 10,” he said in a statement. “We have a great deal of which to be proud. I believe I am leaving the company in good hands. I remain a huge fan of BlackBerry and, of course, wish the company and its people well.”

BlackBerry is now without any of its three co-founders. Former co-CEO Jim Balsillie left in March 2012, and Douglas Fregin retired from vice-president of operations in 2007.


“I admire Mike for his many achievements and for his vision in helping bring BlackBerry 10 to fruition,” Heins said in a statement. “On a personal level, I am grateful to Mike for his help, guidance and advice during my first 15 months as CEO of BlackBerry. I wish him all the best.”

BlackBerry is currently launching its new BlackBerry 10 operating system alongside two new devices, the Z10 and Q10.

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