In the exciting world of technology and innovation, Apple never fails to surprise us. And today is no exception! Apple has announced that Dr. Wanda Austin, former president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, will be joining its prestigious board of directors. With her wealth of experience in science and technology, Dr. Austin is set to bring a fresh perspective and help shape the future of one of the world's leading tech giants.
Having led The Aerospace Corporation, an organization dedicated to supporting the U.S. space program and expanding opportunities for future exploration, Dr. Austin is no stranger to pushing boundaries. In fact, she made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold the position of president and CEO. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, and Apple is thrilled to welcome her onboard.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, expressed his excitement about Dr. Austin's appointment, stating, 'Wanda has spent decades advancing technology on behalf of humanity, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Apple’s board of directors. She’s an extraordinary leader, and her invaluable experience and expertise will support our mission of leaving the world better than we found it.' This sentiment was echoed by Arthur Levinson, the chair of Apple's board of directors, who highlighted Dr. Austin's incredible insights and experience, expecting her to play a vital role in enriching the lives of Apple users worldwide.
In her own words, Dr. Austin shared her enthusiasm for joining the Apple family. 'Like Apple, I’ve always believed in the power of innovation to improve lives, support human potential, and shape a better future,' she said. 'I’m honored to join Apple’s board of directors, and I look forward to being part of a company that’s always creating new ways to empower people all over the world.'
As the door opens for Dr. Austin, it is time to bid farewell to two long-standing members of Apple's board — Al Gore and James Bell — who have dedicated years of service to the company. Both will retire this year in accordance with Apple's policy that directors generally do not stand for reelection after reaching age 75.
Apple expressed deep gratitude for their contributions. Al Gore, who has been part of the board since 2003, has played a critical role in protecting privacy and bringing his extensive knowledge of environmental and climate issues to the table. James Bell, who joined in 2015, has provided valuable insights and expertise on audit, finance, and more.
Dr. Wanda Austin's impressive journey began when she joined The Aerospace Corporation in 1979 as a member of the technical staff. Over the years, she assumed various roles, including program management and major customer-facing systems management. From 2008 to 2016, she served as the organization's president and CEO, leaving an indelible mark on the space industry.
Beyond her accomplishments in the corporate world, Dr. Austin has been a leading advocate for STEM education. Her book, 'Making Space: Strategic Leadership for a Complex World,' explores the leadership principles she has learned as an engineer and space industry executive.
Not only does Dr. Austin bring a wealth of experience to the Apple board, but she also serves on the boards of Amgen and Chevron, where she holds the position of lead independent director. Previously, she served on the board of Virgin Galactic, the spaceflight company.
Dr. Austin's journey in education includes obtaining a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Franklin & Marshall College, a master's in civil engineering and mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California.
As we bid farewell to Al Gore and James Bell and welcome Dr. Wanda Austin to Apple's board of directors, we can't help but admire the constant evolution and commitment to excellence that the company embodies. Apple remains at the forefront of technology, continually striving to leave a positive impact on the world. Exciting times lie ahead as we eagerly await the innovations and advancements that Apple, with its incredible team, will undoubtedly bring forth.
For media inquiries, please reach out to Josh Rosenstock at [email protected]. And for general media assistance, contact Apple Media Helpline at [email protected].
Stay tuned for more updates and groundbreaking announcements from Apple!
