In his presentation to RIM Co-CEO Jim Balsillie, GSMA Chairman Alexander Izosimov stated that, "RIM's commitment to innovation has revolutionized the wireless industry and laid the foundations which shaped the thriving smartphone market of today. BlackBerry products and services have changed the way we communicate and interact, making businesses more productive and consumers better connected."

On receiving the award, Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO of RIM, said, "This award is a testament to the talent and commitment of more than 12,000 RIM employees who are all focused on serving our customers and partners. We are more excited than ever by the opportunities ahead in our industry and we are honored to be recognized with the Chairman's Award."

RIM was founded by Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, while a student in Ontario in 1984 and Jim Balsillie joined as Co-CEO in 1992. RIM launched the BlackBerry solution ten years ago as a wireless email solution for enterprise customers and it changed the face of communications. Over the years, it has evolved into a multifaceted and robust wireless platform that supports a wide range of communications, information and entertainment applications for businesses and consumers alike. In recent years, RIM has brought innovative and popular new devices to market including the BlackBerry Pearl, the BlackBerry Curve, the BlackBerry Bold and the BlackBerry Storm, which earned its own award at Mobile World Congress this year.