L to R: John Giamatteo, CEO, BlackBerry, and Mohamed Helmy, general manager/Image: Supplied
BlackBerry’s journey from a pioneering mobile device manufacturer to a leader in secure communications and embedded software has been one of the most significant transformations in the tech industry. Under the leadership of chief executive officer John Giamatteo, the company has undergone a strategic reinvention that has reshaped its business model and positioned it for sustainable growth.
“When we pivoted from the device business into the software and services business, we got into a lot of different areas,” Giamatteo explained. “Over the past two years, we really approached our business with an intense level of focus and analysis. What we discovered was that a lot of small initiatives and investments were distracting us. So we decided to double down on two core businesses: embedded software, which we now call our QNX division, and secure communications.”
That renewed focus has been the foundation of BlackBerry’s comeback. By concentrating on these two lines, the company has streamlined operations, sold or shut down non-core businesses, and cut its cost structure by more than $150m. “Now we’re a leaner, meaner, more focused company that is growing again,” Giamatteo said. “Last quarter we grew 3 per cent, it was our most profitable quarter in a long time, and we generated cash.”
Driving growth through QNX and secure communications
QNX remains one of BlackBerry’s most successful and recognisable brands. The operating system powers more than 255 million vehicles worldwide, providing real-time reliability for automotive systems. “Chances are your car is being powered by BlackBerry right now,” Giamatteo said with a smile. “QNX is a great business. It is growing, and our secure communications business continues to serve all G7 governments globally.”
Governments now represent about three-quarters of the company’s revenue, underscoring BlackBerry’s continued strength in mission-critical environments. While QNX is growing faster than secure communications, both divisions are profitable and cash-generating. “That stability gives us a solid foundation for future growth,” he said.
In the second quarter of its current financial year, BlackBerry delivered what Giamatteo described as a “significant turnaround.” The company reported overall revenue growth of 3 per cent with EBITDA margins of 20 percent. The QNX division grew by 15 per cent with margins above 30 per cent, making it what Giamatteo called “a rule-of-40 company.” In the software world, achieving the sum of growth rate and profit margin above 40 per cent is a key marker of strong performance.
“Our QNX business is really the driver,” he said. “The secure communications side was flatter at the top line but delivered 20 percent EBITDA margins. Together, they make for a high-performing software company.”
Reintroducing BlackBerry to the Gulf region
Giamatteo said the Gulf region is an important part of the company’s growth strategy. “One of the reasons we’re here at GITEX is to increase our profile,” he said. “When you reinvent a company, it’s important to get out there and let people know who you are and what you’re doing. There couldn’t be a better event for that.”
BlackBerry has established strong partnerships in the region, including a collaboration with Midis Group, a leading technology distributor and solutions provider. “Midis has a lot of reach in the region,” Giamatteo noted. “We work very closely with them to bring our products and solutions to customers across the Gulf.”
At GITEX 2025, the company showcased its entire portfolio, with a particular focus on secure communications. One highlight is the SecuSUITE product, which provides encrypted voice, data, and video communications. “It’s encrypted voice, data, and video. We originally bought a company years ago that offered hardware-based encryption through an SD card,” Giamatteo explained. “We invested heavily to turn that into a software-based solution, so you don’t need any hardware. Now it’s basically an app on your phone. Once you log in, anything you do inside that app is completely encrypted.”
The product meets NATO-certified, top-secret security classifications, making it suitable for government and enterprise clients. “For everyday consumers, WhatsApp or Telegram might be fine,” he said. “But if you’re a Fortune 500 company or a government, you need to ensure your communications are fully secure, fully encrypted, and fully managed in your own environment. The data doesn’t come to us—it stays with the customer.”
SecuSUITE is one of BlackBerry’s fastest-growing offerings, reflecting the increasing global demand for trusted communication platforms in the wake of high-profile breaches and surveillance concerns. “We’re seeing a lot of traction with governments in North America, Europe, and here in the Gulf, as well as with large banks and corporations,” he said.
Looking ahead: expanding the embedded software ecosystem
After completing its structural transformation, BlackBerry’s next phase will focus on scaling its core businesses and expanding into adjacent sectors that require real-time operating systems. “We have tremendous market share in the automotive sector—every major car manufacturer works with us,” Giamatteo said. “Now we’re looking at other verticals that need real-time operating systems, such as robotics, industrial automation, and medical instrumentation.”
These areas, he explained, have similar demands for precision, reliability, and performance. “Our goal is to take the expertise we’ve built in the automotive sector and apply it to other industries that need that same level of reliability,” he said. “That’s where we see future growth.”
For Giamatteo, BlackBerry’s reinvention has been as much about discipline as innovation. By returning to its roots in secure technology and focusing on the areas where it leads globally, the company has regained stability and relevance. “If it’s not secure communications and it’s not embedded software, we’re not doing it,” he said. “That focus is what’s driving our growth, profitability, and confidence in the future.”
