Apple has officially disclosed the nomination of Dr. Wanda Austin, former President and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, to join its board of directors.
With a wealth of experience in science and technology, Dr. Austin has a remarkable history of driving innovation and shaping corporate strategy.
During her tenure as President and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, Dr. Austin led initiatives supporting the U.S. space program and fostering opportunities for future exploration, becoming the first woman and African American to hold the position.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed excitement about her appointment, emphasizing her extraordinary leadership and expertise in technology advancement.
Arthur Levinson, the Chair of Apple’s board of directors, praised Dr. Austin’s insights and experience, foreseeing her vital role in contributing to Apple’s mission of enhancing users’ lives globally.
Dr. Austin herself conveyed her honor at joining Apple’s board and her anticipation of being part of a company dedicated to creating innovative solutions that empower people worldwide.
As part of its directorship policy, Apple announces the retirement of Al Gore, a director since 2003, and James Bell, who joined in 2015, both reaching the age of 75. Tim Cook expressed deep gratitude for their years of service, highlighting Al Gore’s contributions to user privacy and environmental issues, as well as James Bell’s dedication in areas such as audit and finance.
Dr. Wanda Austin’s career spans back to 1979 when she joined The Aerospace Corporation’s technical staff. Over the years, she took on various roles, eventually serving as President and CEO from 2008 to 2016.
Beyond her corporate roles, she served as the interim President of the University of Southern California from 2018 to 2019 and holds positions on the boards of Amgen and Chevron, where she serves as the lead independent director. Her advocacy for STEM education is evident in her book, “Making Space: Strategic Leadership for a Complex World,” which delves into leadership principles derived from her extensive journey in the engineering and space industry.
