BlackBerry's Alec Saunders has announced his departure from the company sometime between now and November 3. We don't normally harp on outgoing BlackBerry staff, but Alec Saunders was a high profile guy who figured largely in many important launches. Prior to taking on the role of VP of Cloud Businesses and heading up Project Ion, BlackBerry's play into the Internet of Things space, Saunders was VP of Developer Relations, where he worked like crazy to win over app creators to BlackBerry 10 before it launched.
Alec was always very lively in his presentations at BlackBerry World and BlackBerry Jam presentations, not to mention his odd musical numbers. Obviously BlackBerry is still in a state of transition, and it's sad to see a familiar face go, but we're also eager to see what new blood BlackBerry brings in.
Source: Saunders Log
Reader comments
Project Ion VP and ex-developer relations manager Alec Saunders leaving BlackBerry
Me thinks he was fired.
I really Miss him, i met him in Bangalore During Blackberry Jam tour he really motivated us to do with BB, Sad that he is Leaving.
Given how "successful" he was in attracting developers over to BB10 before its launch...yeah not too surprised to see him "leave"...
Besides he is a holdover from the Thorsten Heins Ketchup era...and we all know how that turned out...
Cartman says: Screw you guys I'm going home!
Later, Yeasty Nose!
I used my almighty Z30 to create this CrackBerry madness!
Hang on, did I miss a memo? I thought the CrackBerry community hated Alec S and were always on his back for the lack of apps, debacle with the app proliferation company etc. I guess now isn't the time - which is a classy move CBers. Best wishes for the future Alec.
Posted via the Android CrackBerry App!
Alec did a great job in my opinion, I always enjoyed watching him at the keynotes and BB Jams. While others had obviously staged and nervous speeches, Alec was always entertaining and full of energy. I'm following his channel on BBM and when I noticed he started to only share some traveling pictures, I suspected he's gonna leave. Sorry to see him leaving, but if you're reading this Alec - I wish you good luck wherever you go, I guess none of us could judge his decision.
BlackBerry World is so lame!
Posted via CB10
We will miss you Alex
www.apktrain.com for Android apps from your blackberry 10 browser
No doubt about it, Chen's cleaning house. Another of the old guard has been swept away. Recent successes have no doubt given him a bigger broom to work with.
He did good things but it wasn't enough.
I was actually surprised months ago when Chen started firing people and he wasn't among them.
Posted via CB10
Best wishes on future endeavours Mr saunders!
Posted via CrackBerry 10 (CB10) application using my BlackBerry Q10.
He is a nice guy. He was unhappy about the z10 marketing when it was released. he said so many good features like "Face time" that were never advertised. Real compelling feature
Great guy, sad to see him go.
Posted via CB10
"...but we're also eager to see what new blood BlackBerry brings in."
Is that a hint about something that you guys at Crackberry already know about ;-)
Please don't be in news joining isheep.
Posted via CB10
I always liked Alec. Business today is always changing. I like what John Chen brings to the table, but if you loose A players, you better make sure you replace them with A+ players. To Alec - hope to run in to you some day at the Blackdog. Where ever you end up will benefit from your skills. Good luck!
First time I've seen that music video. It's freaking hilarious.
Not Alec Saunders!
Posted via CB10
I will miss his back neck hair the most.
Thanks for the memories Alec! We wish you well on all your future endeavors.
Top shelf guy #respect
Posted with the BlackBerry Passport via CB10
Alec Saunders gave BlackBerry energy. And he did a good job promoting BB10. I am sure he will find work elsewhere. Now who is John Chen bringing in?
Not bad news at all.
Typed on my Q5
His departure may or may not be good for BlackBerry. The devil's in the details. But for all those who are trying to paint him as someone who was not an important cog in BlackBerry is just plain wrong. I suspect he'll be difficult to replace even if he left on good terms or for good reasons (reasons that don't signify a problem for Blackberry's future).
Posted via CB10
I want throstein heinz back as ceo and John Chen to work together
Posted via CB10
Yeah since the company did so well when Heinz was there. LOL
Blackberry is like the military...they are here to stay.
Posted via CB10 - Powered by Q10
This is a very good employee. Too bad he is leaving.
Posted via CB10
Not in regards to this post but the last one didn't allow comments. The rapid wall charger for PlayBook, Is this charger the same usb plug that's used for the phones? If so, would it charge my Z10 faster? Thanks!
Posted via CB10
Yes it does.
Posted via CB10
The guy had an diamond stud in his ear lobe what conservative business man would take him seriously
Posted via CB10
Seriously???
Posted via CB10 on a PassportSQW100-1/10.3.0.1154
Au Revoir Alec! Best wishes and good luck.
Posted via CB10 on my Z30
Good Luck in future endeavors Alex. I have enjoyed developing for BlackBerry thanks in a lot part to his great work. Great fun-loving personality from what I saw of the videos and such too. Was enjoyable to be a part of all that as a dev.
Did anyone notice the phone he is holding in his hands on the photo? Please do not hesitate and correct me if I am wrong, but to me these round edges and the headphone socket do look "terribly" iphone-ish... ;) That said, it does not has to mean anything. May be he justed wanted to show somebody some advances of BlackBerry in comparison to... well, iphone-ish phones, but it leaves a tiny crack in the whole picture of leaving (dramatic music starting in the background). Anyway, no hard feelings, whatever the reasons it's not worth speculating too much.
It was a Z30. I shot that at Jam Asia, which I think was the first event where they were publicly showing it off.
Thanks, glad to read that, comment withdrawn! Classic addicted, cannot tell the difference between all those pure touchphones... :)
Who didn't see this coming after Marty Malick left? Sad, nevertheless. However, I think it is a case of out with the old and in with the new over at BlackBerry now. I wonder if Gadway is next or if a new title for him is coming. hmmm.
I don't know if you watched Jeff do the Passport launch, but he absolutely nailed it big time. By far the best presenter in Toronto that day - I didn't see vid of London or Dubai, so cant speak for those launches, but in T.O Jeff was rock solid and impressed me big time
I dont think it is a loss to BlackBerry. I never think this guy suits any role in BlackBerry. Good riddance, just like Frank Boulben.
Posted via CB10
I wish John Chen would have left BlackBerry instead of Alec, Vivek and others.
I think he (and his Sybase henchmen) can't bring anything good to BlackBerry.
Good luck...
Posted via CB10
Blackberry Ltd I don't is the staff have time to read me, but your time for success is now. If you didn't success now your not going to succeeded later. Release your Qnx project now or any other project soon.
Posted via CB10
It is really sad.He was a real help
Posted via CB10
Personally, I like to think the departure of Alec Saunders is a win/win situation for BlackBerry and Alec. Since he moved to Waterloo last year from Kanata, he is likely going to be involved at starting or leading a startup IOT in the great city of Waterloo, the Silicon Valley of Canada. Certainly he will still be seen around in Waterloo's Pubs having a blast with BlackBerry employees and going forward in something exciting. We wish him good luck and thanks him for working so hard at BlackBerry with humorous moments and fun. See you sometimes........
In the meantime, I'm waiting with low expectations for my "Passport", they are always out of stock at Shopblackberry.ca. I can't sign up fast enough.
See ya
Posted By Secure BB10.3
2-3 years.
" Initiated from my QNX10 "
This guy had a passion for BlackBerry. He started so strong that they got at him for opening his mouth too much on Twitter. He had to back down and stay out of the limelight. He's part of the old guard, and Chen thinks they're obsolete. He wants what he considers to be new...
I believe he has seen/heard too much about BlackBerry getting out of the handset business in general. I personally think Chen wants to go into services and QNX. He may have done so by now, but the Passport has surprised him. Alec probably does not want to see all of his efforts go down the drain with no more inner support.
No one believes me, but I think Chen wants to stop delivering our babies. He'd rather provide services for the infant care ward. More profits, another company turned around, and all hail Chen the company saver.. Blah...
Whatever.....
Alec... Build that new startup and sell it eight back to Chen for 19B. Just like that other crap app did... lol
Posted via CB10
Weird. I hope Chris can get us an explanation. Saunders is one of BB'S top tech guys, he has led the OS development vision.
Posted via CB10
Um... transition takes time guys, we are talking about 2 - 3. Blackberry 10 should starts climbing back around 2016. I guess Alec can't wait that long.
" Initiated from my QNX10 "
Wait, what.... NO!!! Is everyone leaving?! I'm going to miss Alec. He had so much passion. I mean just look at the music videos he did for developers.
You sir, will be missed!
Posted via CB10
The only constant in life is change.
I'm with the other poster, don't think too much into it.
Wish him well and for good fortune in his life.
He seemed like a nice guy who put his heart into what he did.
Best Wishes : )
Formerly Q10 ~ Now the Passport on TMobile
Nice guy, sorry to see him go, and I wish him the best of luck; but honestly he always struck me as kind of an odd goofball awkwardly trying hard to be hip . . obviously I'm in the minority though.
(edit: and yes, a sincerely nice guy and seriously hard worker)
Good luck to Alec. Maybe he will focus on his music now? Hopefully his replacement has a fresh take on Cloud and IoT.
Anyone remember that pathetic video on YouTube, app contest or something? I would hand in a pink slip just for that.
Posted via CB10
That was a private video just for devs at a conference but... yeah...
I have to agree, that was absolutely horrific. As a dev, that only made me think of BlackBerry as way-out-date and embarrassing company to write apps for.
And yes, I realize that vid was tongue-in-cheek, but even given that, it was a great way to scare off new devs.
Posted via CB10
How is this being spun as "Everything's ok?"
Posted via CB10
Thanks for supporting BlackBerry through the thought years! We'll miss you! All the best in your future plans!
Posted via CB10
Wow.. sorry to see him go.
Posted via CB10
The company culture has changed. The executive team is new and external. This is bound to cause friction and very hard I would imagine on the executives who have been there. They typically don't have the voice they used to have. I speculate that this a normal side effect of a management shuffle.
Posted via CB10
Was in charge of attracting app developers to bb10? We see how well that turned out. Good luck man!
Posted via CB10
Bad move BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
Smh
Posted via CB10
Hope he still continues to support the brand.
Posted via CB10
He writes "my job today is to win the hearts and minds of mobile developers and help them to make killer applications for RIM’s handset and tablet products"
His performance results are BB team up with Amazon. No matter how hard he tries his not performing. I don't understand why his an asset to BB. unless he showed at the minimum where he achieved his objectives his no use to BB. His with the company since 2011 so his contribution to BB is the downfall. Now I'm not saying his useless I just saying his no use to BB and its vision since 2011.
100,000 apps after one year for a platform that struggled out of the gate. If I was in his shoes I'd say I accomplished something.
Next headline will be about Chen filling this position with someone from Sybase or SAP. I laughed when I read that Gyro (marketing firm for the Passport) worked with SAP.
@kennedy.L....how about that guy from Nantel Health...Did you ever check out what he Is Up to ????
I guess project ION wasn't interesting enough to keep him around...
@Kennedy.L.........way over his head..lol
From a developer perspective, Alec was a nice guy, but a failure at his job. His main goal was to encourage developers to do BB10 apps. Part of this goal is to communicate to the developers a clear direction of the company and likewise communicate to the CEO the desires and needs of the developers. With the cuts to developer programs, ScoreLoop and AIR, either he has neither clearly stated the company goals to the developers or convinced the CEO of the needs and wants of the developers.
Not everyone who gets put into a position can actually do that job. He might have found out that it was beyond his skill level. You don't keep people around that can't do their jobs; private corporations aren't like the government.
Wow. He worked for a CEO who didn't have a clue about development, then one who didn't care. There's only so much he could do.
Who cares.
Posted via CB10
He was important at the beginning of bb10, but maybe Ion was too different of what he usually work on. I know little about it, but it seems extremely ambitious. I'm quite sure Mr Chen would not let him go if he was a crucial tool for this project.
iWho? Z30 baby...
Great guy but change is what BlackBerry forgot to do. So this fits as a positive.
Posted via CB10
It's like that working for Apple to. Management treats them like shit. Difference is Apple is rich and they still under pay their employees, it's busy as hell and they don't care about family they just care about the bottom line. My friend told me, and I believe it to, more than one person has told me the same thing.
Apple, The New Evil Empire
I have read as much. I don't think anyone ever says apple is a great place to work. Google on the other hand...
Now with Amazon App Store there isn't much to do with blackberry world. No developer relationships to build as such. Wasn't much for him to do. A person of his calibre won't stay long.
Posted from my SuperHuman Q10
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!.. and leave your parking pass so's Chen's entourage can have a spot up front.
Posted via CB10 on my Q10
Don't be a dick.
He was a great man, was always identified
Alex was cool he was the only one from BlackBerry that would reply on twitter. Good luck to him
Posted via CB10
If his job was to win over developers for bb10, then he is so doing a bad job, coz we lack apps in the appstore when bb10 was lunched and up till now we still lack popular apps...
In fact the whole team that deals with bringing apps and developers to BlackBerry should get the hell out, because that has been a problem for BlackBerry since day 1...
We need young and sound minds to work with developers in creating and bringing more apps to blackberry not some 40yrs old guy...
90% of all the great social apps/sites we have today where created by young dudes.. so he's free to go :)
Posted from my amazing white z10
It was upon Marty Mallick's shoulders to get big name titles to the platform. He failed.
we DON'T KNOW how many developers came or stayed on board b/c of Saunders, his team and their initiatives.
we assume that we DO KNOW that it wasn't what they/we had hoped for because of the missing "apps" in Blackberry World.
can you really blame 1 person for that?
I would suggest that most app developers DON'T/WON'T even consider BB (or any alt. platform) because of there MARKET SHARE alone, you could have linus, bill and the ghost of jobs on the developer relations team but until the platform gets/has traction, the devs are going to be developing for the platforms that do.
I recall a program where Blackberry guaranteed developers 10K in sales for producing a native blackberry app, another program where they paid developers to port there android apps to bb world, they made dev hardware and software available to developers in advance of the product launch, had developer conferences - all things that on the surface would seem to be positives for anyone considering developing apps for the blackberry platform
I don't know how much of this was directly attributed to Saunder's and his team but it would suggest that he did much more than - the "music video" that so many on this forum want to castigate him for.
On a related note, IMO, BB 10 having the ability to run android apps well is a GREAT FEATURE, that being said, native BB 10 apps that can take full advantage of the OS's capabilities (hub, active frames, true multi-tasking, ...) have the ability to be BETTER THAN ANDROID apps and blackberry should still be aggressively pursuing a long term program to attract developers to it's platform.
Probably the last of the "mohicans".
Bad news for BlackBerry fans, but even worse news for BlackBerry shareholders.
Shame on you Watsa&Chen!
So many reasons people leave jobs. Prob cant read too much into this.
Posted via CB10
I am not happy with this one. It is really sad to see him leave. All the best to you Alec!
Let's wish him well. Thanks for the job well done.
New blood needs to come. New generation new innovation! BlackBerry "Look Forward, Keep Moving"
Posted via CB10
I'm disappointed to see him leave. He brought good things to BlackBerry.
I wish him well.
Posted via CB10
It seemed weird going from dev relations to IOT. I think it will be good getting different people in all areas of the company. The old RIM corporate culture was clearly dysfunctional and replacing the management level people is the beat way to flush out the old culture.
Posted with a BlackBerry Z10
+1
Posted via CB10
This is bad news. We need someone who is passionate about BlackBerry 10 OS & wants to continue supporting the development of native apps. Perhaps he's being "pushed" out since BlackBerry has seemingly resorted to Android apps with the Amazon App Store initiative. I'm not against using a few Android apps. But what I am against is the slow & steady extinction of native BlackBerry apps.
Posted via CB10
I agree with this post.
Posted via CB10
He had already been "pushed out" (in a manner of speaking) from evangelizing native apps : He was hasn't been in Developer Relations for quite a while now.
He was moved to QNX and project Ion (which have little if anything to do with getting devs to make native apps).
My theory (take it for what it's worth) is that QNX / Project Ion work has a far far less public profile to it. If he originally accepted his dev relations position for the travel and public speaking, human-to-human interaction, etc... then it makes sense that he would become disenchanted with his new position in the back office.
Posted via CB10
@mnc76...Hit the Nail on the Head.Back Office,lol But Not really,BB sold off most of their real estate,and that would be somewhat expensive nowadays,hahaha
Fair well. He was part of the BB10 launch that was a complete failure. Yes he got some developers on board but not enough. Glad to see him gone. Whether he was pushed out or left on his own it's a good thing for BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
I liked his musical number, and kinda hoping there would be another one. I wish Mr Saunders well.
Zoom Zoom Z30
He seemed very good, but then his job was phased out I guess, and new gig didn t fit
Z30 10.3.1.632
+1
Posted via CB10
Sad to see Alec leave. He pretty much built the BB10 development community. He put his passion into his role. The current state of BlackBerry development could pretty much sum up his feelings. Upon moving into Project Ion, he has been quiet and travelling. He went from managing a huge team of 200 to a specialized team of 8. It is no surprise that he is leaving. He will be missed but I believe moving forward is his best option. All the best Alec.
Also, I guess we'll know the real direction of BlackBerry in a few months if we see Alec walking around with an iphone or droid...
He will be missed!
Posted via CB10
BlackBerry is a pretty cancerous place to work right now, according to many people I know who still work there. Yes, the cuts have stopped (slowed?), but now the environment is so toxic that people are clamouring to get out. It's said that upper management has hopes that people will leave so that they don't have to fire them.... it's much cheaper to have people quit than to give them a package!
Sad for such a once iconic brand in the region/country.
You could say the same thing about every other company.
I've never worked at a company that didn't have a significant % of disgruntled employees. It's just part of life.
If people are not on board with Chen's vision, they're expected to leave.
Seems like all of the old guard is now gone. Jeff Gadway is there all by himself now.
Posted via CB10
WowzerS
Posted via CB10
When high profile executive leave from one company to the other, it is for the better. May be there is an opportunity for him to be better with other company more like being CEO some days. It doesn't mean BlackBerry is sinking when high profile is leaving. BlackBerry is back under John Chen no matter you like it or not. It here to stay many years to come in spite of the bias media lead you to believe otherwise.
What das thus mean to project Ion?
Maybe it's time for another podcast, Bla1ze?
Posted via CB10
The impression I get is there was a team that Thorsten Heins had in place, and they did their job of getting BB10 launched, ever since then slowly all those guys are leaving or let go Vivek, Alec, Thorsten himself, and others. I don't know a lot of corporate restructuring or of any of this is connected but that's just what it feels like, the old team were Thorsten's people and Chen has different people he wants in. But I agree with almost everyones sentiments, I'm going to rematch the "keep on loving you" vid on the Q10 sitting in my drawer in homage :)
Posted via CB10
Don't Let the door kick you I'm the ass on the way out Alec!!
No more senseless Foursquare trips and tagging about him eating lavishly and drinking beers on corporate dime! Way to.trim the fat BlackBerry this alone should be been your very first corporate cost cutting move!!!
I've mentioned this in countless posts before
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
And it is just as inappropriate now. You have know idea of what Alec was doing or proof of him taking advantage of his position. Alec was *always* on the road and away from his family and working hours that none of us have any idea of. If your going to judge him on his FourSquare posts then you don't have a clue.
Exactly!
Wow... the guy has a personal life. How dare he! {sarcasm}
Such a stupid comment from the OP.
Posted via CB10
There was proof with his posts.
Being away from family and drinking and eating with so many posts doesn't sound line a family man. He chose that position lime many miners do. Don't cry for him.
The fact remains there was not many results: hardly any banking apps by BB10 official launch. Many big developer houses not making apps for BB10 (WhatsApp rejected for months before coming on board and seen as a critical app considering it's huge user base).
Anyone thinking making two, although entertaining, music videos equals bringing and exciting more developers to create BB10 apps is crazy!
He was promoted to the project Ion position when others with a lot more business sense and understands QNX attention to detail should very had the position. Marty Maxim was not happy he wasn't given the role. I honestly think a person from within QNX's original team should be led this!
I've called this project a failure specifically with him at the lead from day one and got lots of flack!
I'm fully aware many executives spend corporate money frivolously for personal enjoyment - the responsible ones don't do so and I've met and worked with many!! The smart ones don't publicly advertise doing so.
It sounds stupid reading my posts about him on foursquare I'll agree, but look at the high frequency, the time those occurred and you'll see he wasn't so productive at being an evangelist during those BlackBerry Jam trips off stage.
I'm all for the little developers coming to BB10, and he talked the talk, yet highlighted the big names not the little guy too often. the money spent for two ridiculous music videos could've easily highlighted a single developer with being delighted with a recording presenting them with a unique developer BlackBerry 10 device with cheque in hand - remember that offer(?!) that alone would've caused huge buzz.
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
Buddy, this is what execs at every company do. Get over it. John Chen's is basically using the corporate jet as his personal limo at this point in time.
@Jtaylor1986...CHEN Flies economy all over the place,Chen is really frugle,and why not??????? he does not use the Private Jet ,Yet,lol
That was part of the deal to get Chen on board. He'd use the company jet to commute from his home in California. Where have you heard that has changed?
@birdman_38,,,Read that a while ago,searched but can't find the link.This guy is for real and saving the company Money is in his Genes.I don't Know about commuting to his home but as far as Buisness is concerned he flies around just like most of us.They opened an office in Cupertino didn't they?I believe that he lives in the area.
*in the ... LOL ;-)
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
Ooooohh He eats and drinks beer huh?
Unless you have insider information that shows he was wasting/misappropriatung corporate resources then all you sound like is some poor shlub with a chip on their shoulder.
They guy has the right to spend his money on whatever he dam well pleases.
Posted via CB10
@Supa_fly1...You the Man...The Passport Give Away cost BB $150.000 at launch,Chen Said so,That was Probably 1 months of his expense account,Really these hot shots aren't called so for nothing.
We never know what occurs behind closed doors but good luck. There's always two sides to a story.
Posted via CB10
Wonder what his reasoning was? Especially considering how big Project Ion is supposed to be
Posted via CB10
@Rello.....Hello.....He Can't handle that Job,that was a Resume booster and farewell good luck post
Alex was a good guy for BlackBerry. I'm sad he is leaving.
Project Ion is very secret as mentioned before. I'm wondering what is BlackBerry doing with it. It has a great potential and the competition knows it. For example arm and his solution for the IOT
BlackBerry has to move quickly. They have to be the first with a solid solution... not like the PlayBook OS.
Posted via CB10
Eh, Project Ion and The Internet of Things is probably very conceptual with no real potential to go to market anytime soon. I can see why he may not have liked this. Futhermore, he as well as the rest of the old BlackBerry senior management, has been largely sidelined under Chen, and maybe rightfully so considering the abysmal results that were produced.
Posted via CB10
@dejanh......No other company is better positioned to take hold of the internet of things...........Those were John Chen's words,lol
What are his motives for leaving? I'm sure he will be missed but BlackBerry will continue without him.
Posted via CB10
NOOOO I LIKE HIM!!
Posted via CB10
Really finding it hard to understand why people are stressing, some even seem to be taking an individual's personal career choice personal, can we not simply wish the man all the best in his future endeavours and look forward? This need for assurance we as a community have is not a good look.
100% BlackBerry
IMO BlackBerry has a lack of outward motivational leadership within upper management, including Chen himself. In today's tech world you need people who can not only motivate from within a company but also outward to their customers. Boring is not going to do it moving forward. BlackBerry needs a motivational reset, so when the name comes up in conversation people have someone to connect with. The current team is solid from a technical and business sense, but we need more. Examples: Bezos at Amazon (love him or hate him) illicits conversation. Mayer at Yahoo is interesting. Ma at Alibaba has an infectious energy.
Posted via CB10
Elicit - to invoke, start
Illicit - illegal
Posted via CB10
Chen is focused (thank God).
Doesn't surprise me, Chen has hired his own guys and Saunders authority diminished as a result. I did enjoy his enthusiasm as VP developer relations wish him all the best. Remember this people, everyone is replaceable.
Posted via BlackBerry Z30
I am pretty sure he left voluntarily. He has a preference for working with the underdogs.
Sad to see he's leaving.
Lets wish him good luck and all the best.
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
* '
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
If you read his farewell note on his blog, it doesn't seem that there is any acrimony....
Sometimes people just need to move on. I imagine that the past 3-4 years have been very stressful.
6750-7250-8830-9700-Playbook-Z10
+110
Posted via CB10
This
@donsarlo.Are you kidding ???don't you remember him Playing his Guitar and singing rather badly but he still put it out for everyone to see,Playtime in the life of a super lucky guy!!!!!!!!!!!!.Oh and Smarts too!!! Koodoos to him.
He looks much older in this pic ^^;; Happy retirement! Enjoy some time away from work =)
Noooo!!
I think he came from Microsoft so going back wouldn't be a surprise. Met him a few times, great guy he brought a lot to BB's table. He will be missed. Time for some new blood I guess.
They could definitely use his talents.
Why does everyone always take news like this in a bad way? Making comments about the ship sinking etc. Yes I will miss Alec but everything happens for a good reason
Posted via CB10
+1
#BBFactCheck
@DJM626......Damn right,buy the stock ,it's down big time today,tomorrow will be just fine.
Always loved his enthusiasm. Sad that he's leaving, but wish him well
Posted via CB10
NOOOOOOO! What a loss! He made BB10 without hin the app gap would be even bigger now! He brought all these devs on board.
Massive loss! Hope he doesn't become an isheep or robot or even worse: a window...
Posted via CB10
The BlackBerry dev tools are amazing. It's why I have a BB10 device. If Alec was responsible for those, we're doomed.
Posted via CB10
The talent just keep jumping ship and head towards greener pastures!
I'm not surprised, why stay with a company that keeps sinking???
'why stay with a company that keeps sinking???' you obviously haven't been paying attention since Chen took over.
I don't believe a thing that idiot says....
Such melodrama
+1
Posted on my Z30
+2
Posted via CB10
@Jumbalaya2009....Joker Says...,lol
When your Knight in shining armor (JC) has finished chopping up Blackberry into pieces and selling them off to the highest bidder, you guys won't be laughing anymore!
Is that your premdiction?
One chunk to SAP more likely... ;-)
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
What the hell man, learn how to spell "premdiction"!
@Jumbala2009...Prem's patented way of saying Prediction!!!LOL
SMH.... Some people don't get it. If you are a consumer, Blackberry is not the Eco-system you want to invest in. Corporate customers is what they are after now. It's going to be interesting to see how they are going to get corporate customers to carry 2 devices again (one for work. one for when they are out of the office and they want to listen to Spotify on their Sonos system and control it all from a supported mobile device). #BOOM!
Lol then you'll be switching to WP soon. Blackberry can't live without the consumers. At least not in handset and BB10
Posted on my Z30
It can live without the regular cosumer. It has enough within its enterprise portfolio to stay afloat and competitive in that segment. Just don't expect support for consumer (the rest of us) grade app support. WP is not whom I'd consider switching to at the moment. I think you know who the fat cat in town is at the moment.
They don't have too. BB bought that Virtual Sim company. One phone many numbers...
Unless they are sticking those SIM cards on a non-Blackberry device (which they wouldn't be able to at the moment) you are missing the point. Why would I have 2 numbers on a phone that doesn't support my consumer apps? Hence the 2 device reference.
I thought highly of Chen but now I think Watsa, Chen and the gang will rape this company.
Sinking???
C00121953 channel for car freaks!!
He will be missed
Why is he leaving?
Loving MySexyBackZ10!!!
The guy has an interest in entrepreneurship, start ups and an understanding of what makes them successful and what causes them to fail. He used to work for QNX and "came" to RIM when RIM acquired QNX. My guess is that he feels BlackBerry no longer needs his expertise and is going to another start-up, which is a good sign that BlackBerry is moving in the right direction.
Someone with that kind of talent and experience is eventually going to get tired of working for someone. He's probably fully capable and ready to be his own boss. Time for him to test his wings.
It's not always a indicative of something going on within the company. Sometimes a person just needs a change.
My guess is a lot of these guys have been working very hard to turn BlackBerry into something new and relevant. They're probably all ready for a rest right about now.
Posted via CB10
Unless he goes to Cupertino.
@birdman_38...probably end up at Harmon Kardon,
He doesn't strike me as the kind of dude who would go work for Apple. I could be wrong but he seems too altruistic to work fir the big dogs.
Posted via CB10
Money talks. As does a a good work-life balance.
Lol wtf that is an interesting musical number.
Posted via CB10
He must have felt like he was stuffed in a closet. He went from a vocal proponent and on stage to who knows where.
Sent while driving from my Crackberry.
Could also have been pretty burned out too. I remember reading that when BlackBerry 10 was ramping up, he was on the road away from his family for hundreds of days that year.
That's my take too.
From my Neutrino Powered Z10
I would have loved to have his job. After CMO of course ;)
@RubberChicken76.That's what all of the BB top Guns did, they lived high on the Hog!!!Wouldn't you love a job with such Perks,Expense account was through the roof and Mike was too nice a guy to put his foot down,but now with Prem around and Chen, to make it happen, the Brakes are on .
+1
Posted via CB10
Will miss Alec Saunders' energy and humour.
Posted via CB10
At this stage we don't need a humor, we need a productivity.
Posted via CB10
Humour doesn't hamper productivity at all.. They are not mutually exclusive..
Posted via CB10 on my Z30
Project Ion seems like one of those secret CIA projects, except more secret.
I don't recall hearing anything significant since the announcement.
Sent while driving from my Crackberry.
So, where is he going?
Posted via CB10
My guess is big apple or the other same one...if you know what I mean.
I'm just guessing but such a big profile needs a big name company to join.
@crucial bbq.... So Who's Next???? Who's left?????
I thought he was one of the good assets for the company.
Frosty White Q10/10.3.0.1052
I think he was not!!! He could not manage to get any big name app on BlackBerry world, he failed to convince 10-15 biggest banks of US, Canada, EU to create banking apps or at least import Android version. We call a Blackberry a phone for business people, but the Banking apps are not there WTF. I count him as a responsible person for this failure.
Posted via CB10
That was almost certainly not his fault. BB10 was late to game. There is only so much you can do get devs to support a grand new platform. Especially one with the bad stigma that BlackBerry had (has).
Posted via CB10
Then he should not have taken the job. How can anyone say Alec did a good job when he clearly failed ion his mission.
It wasn't his job to get big name developers on board. He was tasked with grassroots development for BB 10, which he excelled at.
Yup.
From my Neutrino Powered Z10
How do you know he excelled at it? Maybe its not his fault, but his mission was a big failure. Just because he sang with a guitar does not make him a hero. Not buying that Kool-aid
What?! It was his job to get developers on board!! Developer evangelist!
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
But it was Marty Mallick's job to get big name titles to the platform. Somehow he is still employed with BlackBerry.
Banking apps?? Really?? And by "app", you mean nothing more than a home screen icon that's a portal for the mobile site, right? Do "power business users" even require such an "app"? I'm no "power user", but I can operate my phone enough to do any online banking I may 'need' to do. Furthermore, if made the kind of income I would associate with "power business users", I'm not sure I would be doing any banking over my phone, even if it is a BlackBerry. I'm thinking real "power" users do not require such triviality, but I could be wrong.
Posted via CB10
Thank you!! Someone with common sense sees the truth! No figure head should certainly had thus role. He has no credentials nor experience with the qnx business acumen or team. Higher in within would've caused much less tension - Linda from qnx would've been the best position for this lead.
Beta for 9 myths and nothing in site??? Yeah he was a credit to BlackBerry = hell no!
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
All the best to Mr. Saunders. He was a great addition to the BlackBerry team, but let's see who Chen brings in or does with this position.
Out with the past.... in with the future!!!
I think someone predicted this a month or so ago... can't remember where...
Posted via CB10
New management new visions. Is that new?
#BBFactCheck
Not a good sign..he was new into the IoT role...
Posted via CB10
Yes. He was put there after Chen arrived. He was previously head of developer relations.
Also, Project I in itself is fairly new.
Posted via CB10
No not Alex. Please stay. I always like to see him on stage and promote development of BB10 apps.
Using Passport and Z10
He was so passionate. Great speaker. He'll be missed.
Posted via CB10
Total front! Read his twitter and foursquare posts during those BlackBerry jams!! Eating and drinking promoting android vs native code. Screw entertainment we want results!!!
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
In my opinion wow. What a lost to BlackBerry and project ION
Z30 ™ Best mobile platform to date.
We haven't heard much about Project Ion on CrackBerry lately. Is there really no news, or is no one on CB's staff well-suited to cover it?
It's a new initiative, very early stages. Doubt there's much concrete news to cover at this point.
From his blog, it looks like they signed up a 1000 companies to have initial access to Project Ion info. Or bad at all for an 8 person team right?
Posted using the fabulous 10.3.0.1052 on my Z10
i thought blackberry just hired a new guy to lead it a few days ago.
Posted via CB10
That's too bad, he seemed to be a great asset for BlackBerry. Although I could tell by his twitter that he hasn't been as vocal about BlackBerry for a while now.
Posted via CB10
I thought the transition period was over, this doesn't seem good.
Posted via CB10
great news. Changes doesn't mean bad
#BBFactCheck
How is this "great news"? I see it like you, change doesn't have to be bad, but I don't see the positive effect this change will have.
BlackBerry should give us S/MIME and PGP capabilities!
Finally,year and half I was screaming to fire this guy. He and his s4bb destroyed the lunch of the BlackBerry World for BB10.
Posted via CB10
Yup.
Posted via CB10
This guy inspired me to want to be a developer. I think he did a great job to attract many developers. I guess when you are sucessful at one thing, people will always find a way to see the negative side. Wherever this guy ends up I will be happy to follow up on what he is up to.
Alec Saunders just doesn't fit in with the current management. I'm hoping for one more: Marty Mallick should be next.
Yup, definitely ruined everyone's "lunch"!
LOL!
Refering to your signature, BlackBerry already has enterprise class S/MIME support (for a very long time). PGP would be a nice to have anyways :-)
This post is sponsored by the BlackBerry Passport.
So be it.
When announced:
"Project Ion ... will offer the resources necessary to access massive amounts of data from multiple disparate sources and distill it into meaningful, actionable information using open source and third party analytic tools."
Perhaps this was a 'good idea'. But, I have no idea what this open-ended description means, and apparently Mr. Saunders did not do anything worthwhile to make it meaningful to others.
Saunders was given that new title because if such a popular public figure was forced out, it would result in egg on John Chen's face from the BlackBerry community.
Public relations 101.
Transition is over, but people come and go and perhaps he has lost steam which Mr. Chen wouldn't have time for so he probably knew it was time to move on before Chen showed him the door... Only speculation, but I don't see this as a bad sign especially since many top level people have left and BlackBerry is better off now.
Canada Z30
That's defiantly bad news. That guy was blackberry thru an thru.
Posted on my Z30
QNX. That's what troubles me. I mean it's possible he wants to slow down a little after the period of building a Dev base for BB10 and now he's looking at similar extraordinary efforts needed to launch QNX Cloud and Project Ion into reality. Who could blame him for wanting something less demanding, but I swear, if he shows up at Apple along with Sebastian M, my affection for his efforts will sour significantly.
From my Neutrino Powered Z10
+1
Posted By Secure BB10.3
In that case, I hope the NDA holds... :-)
Better though if it's just personal, and he wants to take a step back. Must have been crazy busy the last 2-1/2 years...
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
@Prem...NDA???? I really wonder if anybody really knows who pulls the shots at BB??? even Chen said at the Passport launch,...They told me to say that..... Top Secret Company and I don't know how they do it???
Don't go into that conthpirathy sthtuff or your potht will get erathed... ;-)
BlackBerry? I premdict the future's gonna be chenomenal!
Just have a look at is Linkedin Page, https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecsaunders Hi was the co-founder of Iotum, before joining QNX in 2011, And is still a board member of Iotum, Could very well be just going back to his first love.
Sebastian is a traitor and I hope he violates his non compete and we sick that nice BlackBerry lawyer on him...what's that dude's name?
I get the impression that he don't play.
Founding Member of "Club Z30 "..... the most exclusive club in mobile
Zipperstein.
From my Neutrino Powered Z10
That's my boy...
Founding Member of "Club Z30 "..... the most exclusive club in mobile
@ Puz_zled...I wouldn't worry too much about his job prospects,even Frankie Boy Boulben got a Job somewhere ,but I forgot Where hahaha!!!!
Bull. He wasn't BlackBerry thru & thru he was lazy & procrastinate.
2 expensive videos and no new development tools that make coding to bar file faster???!!!! Loud mouth that eats and drinks using Corp dollars while laughing on foursquare & twitter!!
Never put a BlackBerry rep in charge of qnx projects!!! They know what their doing!!!
BlackBerry Z30 If it Don't Make Dollars, It don't Make Sense
defiantly? pretty aggressive, no?
"The transition is over but people come and go"
That's true. The transition as in laying off 10's of thousands of people is over but any company is always going to be replacing one off people as it sees fit. It's a necessary part of daily operations. Nothing strange or dooming about that.
That said.. of you read the source article, I'm my opinion it's not Chen showing him the door, it's him choosing to pursue other opportunities. Which also isn't that strange or dooming to BlackBerry.. it's a little disappointing perhaps, but in the end there could be any number of reasons.. maybe he's not enjoying his new role on the qnx / project ion side.. maybe he was just offered a pile of cash to go work somewhere else..
Posted via CB10
@newbaskerville...HAHA'I called this about a month ago,when he was bumped up !!!!
I didn't realize he started with BlackBerry in 2011. Thought he'd been there forever.
Posted via CB10
Alec was part of the last failed regime who put BlackBerry and us so far behind.
Nice chap....from my perspective - not effective enough.
Good luck to him....bring in some people who produce.
Any word on Classic at ATT or TMOB? I will be buying one from whichever of these two gets it.
Founding Member of "Club Z30 "..... the most exclusive club in mobile
With his departure its closer to that.
Remember he was part of the philosophy that tried to go head to head with the iPad and iPhone by giving us the PlayBook and Z10. Both delayed and released incomplete. Whilst his and Thorstein's contributions should never be underestimated, they ultimately lost on their bet.