15 Influential Tech Board Members
02/05/2011 The board of directors' primary responsibility is to protect the assets of shareholders, trying to ensure they receive a strong return on their investments. In some cases, directors include venture capitalists or angel investors who have invested in a technology business. In others, directors are selected from outside the IT industry, perhaps because of their connections or success in complementary businesses. A board of directors can be a big asset. After all, the board gives a business the opportunity to pick the brains of executives from other organizations -- from companies involved in similar yet non-competing lines of work, complementary markets, and unrelated industries. Whether a firm is grappling with start-up issues such as capital, branding, and building a market, or challenges -- including mergers and acquisitions, re-branding, and expansion -- facing a well-established company, a board gives executive management access to more than a sounding board. A strong board provides guidance and advice, and helps direct a company's short- and longer-term steps. Here are 15 of the most influential board members in tech.
