The resignation of RIM's CEOs is intended to send a signal to investors that the company — finally — is serious about changing course. Is it enough?
The announcement by Research In Motion's Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis that they are stepping down as co-CEOs and co-chairmen is intended to send a signal to investors that the company — finally — is deadly serious about changing course. Choosing an insider to replace them as CEO, however, dampens the message significantly and suggests RIM isn't fully ready to embrace radical change.
After months of speculation, investor-led pressure and controversy, the embattled chiefs announced the immediate appointment of Thorsten Heins as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Heins, who joined RIM in 2007, was most recently the company's Chief Operating Officer and came to Waterloo from Siemens, where he had been communications division CTO.
Is Lazaridis/Balsillie exit enough to save RIM?
