WATERLOO, Ont. -- BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB) has appointed a 20-year veteran of the mobile telecommunications industry as president of its Global Enterprise Services as the struggling smartphone company focuses on its business customers.
John Sims is joining BlackBerry in January from SAP, where he served as president of the business software company's mobile services business.
"I am pleased to welcome such a seasoned executive as John to BlackBerry to help lead our key business operations through our ongoing reorganization and transition," said executive chair and interim CEO John Chen.
"His extensive experience in transforming businesses, redefining brands and motivating teams will be a tremendous asset to BlackBerry as we reshape the company to be more nimble and focused.
Before joining SAP, Sims held leadership positions at 724 Solutions, TANTAU Software, Intrado and Tandem Computers, and currently is a member of the board of directors and executive committee of CTIA, an industry trade group that represents the international wireless telecommunications industry.
His arrival is a counterpoint to the recent departures of several BlackBerry executives as Chen reshapes the money-losing technology company.
Since Chen joined the company last month, he has started a dramatic overhaul of its executive ranks, with both the chief operating officer and chief marketing officer leaving their roles. Chief financial officer Brian Bidulka was also replaced.
On Monday, it was announced that Rick Costanzo, executive vice-president of global sales, and Chris Wormald, vice-president of strategic alliances, would be leaving.
BlackBerry will report its third-quarter financial results on Friday.
