The Root is reporting that tech innovator John W. Thompson was named chairman of the board of directors of Microsoft Corporation. A veteran in the field for more than 40 years, he is one of a few high-ranking African Americans in technology. He replaces company founder and former chairman of the board, Bill Gates. (Gates has stepped into a new role as Technology Advisor.)
A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Thompson is the company’s first African American chair. Prior to the new appointment, he served as lead independent director for the Board, which he will remain.
"One of my key contributions, I hope, will be to engage with shareholders and keep focused on how together we can bring great innovation to the market and drive strong, long-term shareholder value," he said, according to the Mercury News.
For 28 years, Thompson worked for IBM before becoming CEO at Symantec. From there, he became CEO of tech firm Virtual Instruments.
Read more at The Root.