RIM (RIMM) Shockingly Loses Head of Marketing at Crucial Time

Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) has found itself without a marketing head just months before the release of its PlayBook tablet, as Keith Pardy will be leaving the company.

Pardy's sudden resignation has shaken up the company and shareholders, as it is only a few weeks before the PlayBook launch, and this throws the company a curve at a time when they needed stability.

The stated reason for Pardy leaving is "personal," according to RIMM.

Pardy will evidently stay with the company for six months to help with the transition.

Research in Motion closed Friday at $66.47, falling $1.98, or 2.89 percent.