RIM loses its global head of sales

Research In Motion (RIM) has confirmed the resignation of its global head of sales, Patrick Spence, the latest in a series of high-profile executives to leave the BlackBerry manufacturer.

A RIM spokesperson said that Spence was leaving to take on a “leadership position in a different industry” when he steps down on June 15.

“The sales function will report directly into Kristian Tear, our newly appointed [COO] when he starts this summer. In the interim, the sales function will report to [CEO] Thorsten Heins,” said the spokesperson.

Spence’s resignation may have been due to him being passed over for the chief operating officer role in favour of Tear.

London-based Spence is a 14-year RIM veteran and was considered a rising star at the firm, promoted to the global sales role in July after previously serving as managing director for the EMEA region.