BlackBerry has announced another hire this morning as Ron Louks has been named President of Devices and Emerging Solutions for the company. Mr. Ron will be reporting directly to CEO John Chen in all matters, as well as having to focus on BlackBerry’s long-term product roadmap of hardware, software and design. Ron Louks is noted for his history at The OpenNMS Group, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Ron held many leadership positions over several decades in the technology industry, including as the Chief Strategy Officer of HTC America Inc. and the Chief Technology Officer at Sony Ericsson.

This hire again reaffirms that BlackBerry will continue to make smartphones for the long run, even though that may not be their short-term focus in 2014.

Press Release
BlackBerry Appoints Leadership for Devices Business

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – January 06, 2014) – BlackBerry® Limited (NASDAQ: BBRY) (TSX: BB), a world leader in mobile communications, today announced that Ron Louks will join the Company as President, Devices and Emerging Solutions reporting to BlackBerry’s Executive Chair and CEO, John Chen.

“I am pleased to add another outstanding addition to BlackBerry’s executive leadership team with the announcement of Ron today,” said Chen. “I am confident that Ron will bring the skills and expertise that will make an immediate impact to BlackBerry and to our customers around the world.”

Chen added, “Ron will focus on BlackBerry’s long-term product roadmap, including hardware, software and design, as well as the Company’s joint development efforts. A good deal of Ron’s time will be spent with customers, carriers and partners. On our path to return BlackBerry to profitability, nothing is more important than remaining deeply connected to our customers, and designing and delivering secure products that exceed their expectations.”

Ron Louks joins BlackBerry from The OpenNMS Group, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Ron held many leadership positions over several decades in the technology industry, including as the Chief Strategy Officer of HTC America Inc. and the Chief Technology Officer at Sony Ericsson.