Alicia Keys and BlackBerry Ltd will cut ties at the end of January, just one year after the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was hired as a "global creative director" for the struggling smartphone maker. The move comes as BlackBerry retreats from the consumer market to focus on businesses, governments and other large organizations. "BlackBerry and Alicia Keys have completed our year-long collaboration," the company said in an emailed statement. "We have enjoyed the opportunity to work with such an incredibly talented and passionate individual." Keys was hired when the company launched its long-delayed BlackBerry 10 devices in January of last year.



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