TORONTO – Research In Motion has named Thorsten Heins (pronounced TOR-sten HYNZ) President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing former leaders Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis. The change has many asking what Heins brings to the table.
With a Master’s degree in Science and Physics from the University of Hannover in Germany, the 54-year-old gained much of his technical experience in his 23 years at German phone-maker Siemens.
Heins was Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Communications, Inc. and has international experience in mobility, fixed-network, and consumer electronic devices, according to BusinessWeek.com.
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Joining RIM in December 2007, Heins became senior vice president for the handheld business unit. Four years later, he specialized in product engineering as one of two chief operating officers in charge of the BlackBerry smart phone portfolio internationally.
Heins’ passions are biking, skiing, motorcycles, being outdoors and hiking with his family. He is married with one son and one daughter, Svenja, pictured above. Heins also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. in Toronto.
Heins took to YouTube January 22 with an introductory video called “Meet Thorsten Heins the New President and CEO of Research in Motion” where he describes various topics such as the people at RIM, leadership, and his personal interests.
“When we decide on getting something done, I want it to be done on time at good quality and at good cost because that, at the end of the day, decides our customer satisfaction and it also defines our economic result.”
Check out the rest of Heins’ video below.
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