Former Blackberry exec appointed to Sustainable Development Technology Canada

Former Blackberry Executive Jim Balsillie is being appointed to a five-year term as chair of Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

The federal agency was set up in 2001 to support projects that develop and demonstrate new technologies that promote sustainable development. Balsillie was co-chief executive and co-chairman of Research In Motion, the company that invented the Blackberry smartphone.

Under the leadership of Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis, the company became a leader in the global smartphone industry. Both men have since left the Waterloo based company.