Research In Motion's marketing chief Keith Pardy is leaving the company, the Wall Street Journal said on Friday, citing a company statement.

The surprise announcement comes just weeks before the expected launch of RIM's PlayBook tablet computer, which will enter a crowded market dominated by Apple's iPad.

The company's shares are 2.9 percent lower at $66.48 on the Nasdaq.

(Reporting by Alastair Sharp; editing by Janet Guttsman)

Marketing