John W. Thompson

John W. Thompson is an American technology executive and business leader, best known for his tenure as CEO of Symantec and later as Chairman of Microsoft. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1949, he earned a business degree from Florida A&M University and an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Thompson began his career at IBM, where he spent over two decades, before taking the helm at Symantec in 1999 and transforming it into a global leader in cybersecurity.

After retiring from Symantec in 2009, Thompson continued to play a prominent role in the tech industry, serving on several corporate boards. In 2014, he was appointed Chairman of Microsoft, overseeing key leadership transitions, including the appointment of Satya Nadella as CEO. His strategic vision and steady leadership have made him one of the most respected figures in the technology sector.

Known for his insightful and motivational approach to leadership, John W. Thompson has said, "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence — and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." He has also remarked, "You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room; you have to be the one who brings out the best in others." These quotes reflect his belief in empowering teams, fostering growth, and building lasting organizational success.