BlackBerry Names John Giamatteo as New Chief Executive Officer, Signals Major Business Restructuring

Cybersecurity software provider BlackBerry Ltd. has promoted John Giamatteo to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The appointment follows Giamatteo’s tenure as President of BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity division, a role he has held since October 2021. The company’s Board of Directors has also confirmed his membership on the board, marking a significant leadership transition for the organization.

John Giamatteo brings over three decades of experience in the global technology sector to his new role. His professional background includes serving as President and Chief Revenue Officer at McAfee, a leading cybersecurity firm, and Chief Operating Officer at AVG Technologies. Prior to his work in the security sector, Giamatteo held senior management positions at technology companies including Solera, RealNetworks, and Nortel Networks. This extensive track record positions him to guide BlackBerry through a period of strategic transformation.

John Giamatteo Steps Into Leadership as Company Charts New Direction

The promotion of John Giamatteo occurs as BlackBerry undergoes a major organizational restructuring. Richard Lynch, who assumed the interim Chief Executive Officer role on November 4, 2023, will continue as Chairman of the Board, providing continuity during this transition period. This dual leadership structure aims to balance strategic vision with operational oversight.

Strategic Separation of IoT and Cybersecurity Operations

BlackBerry has announced its intention to separate its Internet of Things (IoT) and Cybersecurity businesses into fully autonomous operating units. This decision represents a shift from previous plans, as the company will no longer pursue an initial public offering of the IoT division as an independent entity. Instead, both business units will function as standalone operations within the broader BlackBerry structure.

To facilitate this separation and ensure optimal organizational sizing, BlackBerry is in advanced discussions with external consulting firms. The company seeks to engage specialized advisory resources to conduct an independent, comprehensive assessment of both divisions. This systematic approach to separation reflects BlackBerry’s commitment to maximizing the strategic value and operational efficiency of each business segment under John Giamatteo’s leadership.