Microsoft names wireless industry veteran Stanton to board

Microsoft’s attempt to refocus efforts into the mobile space gained some heady momentum this week as the computing software giant added wireless industry pioneer John Stanton to its board of directors.
The move will increase Microsoft’s board to 11 members, with Stanton set to join the board’s compensation committee. Stanton is a long-time resident of the Seattle area where Microsoft is headquartered.
“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 CEO Satya Nadella, in a statement. Nadella earlier this year was promoted to CEO of Microsoft, replacing long-time CEO Steve Ballmer.
Microsoft announced in mid-July plans to cut 18,000 jobs, including more than 12,000 positions from its recently acquired Nokia handset division. Nadella was not in charge when the Nokia deal was initially announced. The company is looking to bolster its presence in the smartphone operating system business as a way to further integrate its software business models. This is likely to include the need to garner more support from wireless carriers in supporting its Windows Mobile product line, which is where Stanton could become invaluable.
Stanton’s position in the wireless space is legendary, as he was one of the founding members of McCaw Cellular before it was purchased by AT&T for $11.5 billion in 1994. Stanton then went on to found Western Wireless, which was acquired by Alltel for $6 billion in 2005, and VoiceStream Wireless, which was acquired by Deutsche Telekom for $35 billion in 2001.
Stanton was more recently named chairman at Clearwire in 2011, which was acquired last year by Sprint as part of Sprint’s $21.8 billion acquisition by Japan’s Softbank.
Stanton currently serves as chairman of private-equity fund Trilogy International Partners and as a director at Columbia Sportswear.
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