Microsoft has announced the appointment of John Stanton, a pioneer and innovator in the U.S. and global wireless industry, to its board of directors.
Stanton currently serves as chairman of Trilogy Equity Partners, a private equity fund that invests in early-stage companies in the wireless ecosystem, and Trilogy International Partners, a wireless operator in Central and South America and New Zealand.
“John’s insights into mobility around the globe and his expertise in working with organizations as CEO and as a board member will be invaluable as we transform Microsoft for growth and leadership in the mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Microsoft chief Satya Nadella.
During the 1980s, Stanton served as CEO and vice chairman of McCaw Cellular. From 1992 to 2005, he served as chairman and CEO of Western Wireless Corp. Between 1995 and 2003, he served as chairman and CEO of VoiceStream Wireless, which was acquired by Deutsche Telekom and subsequently renamed T-Mobile USA. He also served as director and later as the chairman of Clearwire Corp from 2008 to 2013.
Commenting on his appointment, Stanton said:“I’m happy to be joining Microsoft at such a pivotal moment in the company’s history. I know firsthand what an indispensable role Microsoft plays in the technology industry, in the lives of countless people around the world, and in the Puget Sound region, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to help shape Microsoft’s future.”
Stanton is active in civic and community activities serving the Puget Sound community. He has chaired the Business Partnership for Early Learning, the United Way of King County campaign, the Washington Roundtable, and the Regional Transportation Commission. He presently serves as chairman of Year Up of Puget Sound, a trustee of Whitman College, and a director of the Seattle Foundation.
Stanton also serves as a director at Columbia Sportswear Co.