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 opp

Alison Diana, Contributing Writer

February 3, 2011

15 Slides


In addition to steering the helm of Intel, company CEO and president Paul Otellini helps to guide other technology businesses. Since April 2004, Otellini has been a board member at Google, as well as a member of the executive council and executive committee at TechNet. Previously, he sat on the board of Autodesk.

In late 2009, Otellini accepted the invitation of the Task Force on American Innovation to serve as its chair, occasionally going to Washington, D.C., to meet with government officials to highlight the importance of federal funding of basic research and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

No matter their full-time role, board members must commit to attend a pre-determined number of board meetings. Payment may include an annual salary, compensation for each meeting attended, stock options, and other benefits. Businesses are not the only ones turning to successful or high profile executives for advice. Colleges and universities also have asked IT and economic professionals to share some of their lessons and thoughts. And presidents, including Barack Obama, have tapped leading technology executives for recommendations and ideas.

SEE ALSO:

HP Board Reshuffles In Wake Of Hurd Dismissal

Sprint Directors Resign From Clearwire Board

Google Co-Founder Larry Page To Replace Schmidt As CEO

AMD CEO Dirk Meyer Steps Down

Global CIO: Can HP's CEO Survive? The Board Talks It Over

Global CIO: The HP CEO Dream Team: Andreessen & IBM's Rometty

About the Author(s)

Alison Diana

Contributing Writer

Alison Diana is an experienced technology, business and broadband editor and reporter. She has covered topics from artificial intelligence and smart homes to satellites and fiber optic cable, diversity and bullying in the workplace to measuring ROI and customer experience. An avid reader, swimmer and Yankees fan, Alison lives on Florida's Space Coast with her husband, daughter and two spoiled cats. Follow her on Twitter @Alisoncdiana or connect on LinkedIn.

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