Smartphone revolutionizer BlackBerry Inc. had been struggling to find new entry points into the technology market, but in Randall Cook’s first year he’s helped the company pivot its overall business. Joining BlackBerry in August 2018 as chief legal officer and corporate secretary, Cook oversaw the process of the company providing security software that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in multiple areas from cybersecurity to crisis communication, which according to the company is being used by over 70% of the U.S. government. Customers include other global governments, financial services institutions, major automotive manufacturers, aerospace and defense companies, health care companies and media companies.

Cook oversaw BlackBerry’s $1.4 billion acquisition of Cylance, an artificial intelligence and cybersecurity company that was completed in February 2019. It’s the largest deal in the company’s history. Adding more business meant winding down other lines of business to transition from a handset company to one focused on security software, especially when it can dominate the market with more than $1 billion in revenue. What made BlackBerry a recognizable name has evolved with Cook’s legal department finalizing the exit of the last licensed phone manufacturer for the legacy smartphone business. Cook assisted the company in keeping the encrypted messaging platform business under a global licensing agreement worth over $100 million.

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