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2010 Pioneer Business Leader

John W. Thompson

John ThompsonJohn W. Thompson, chairman of the board of directors and former CEO of Symantec Corporation is the Pioneer Business Leader award recipient for 2010. Thompson is one of Silicon Valley's most prominent technology leaders who during his 10-year tenure as chief executive officer helped transform Symantec into a leader in security, storage and systems management solutions delivered to a broad base of customers, from individual consumers to the largest enterprises in the world.

With a broad range of business, civic and philanthropic interests, Thompson has been involved in a number of important projects primarily focused on infrastructure protection and the development of our nation's youth. In September 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Thompson to the National Infrastructure Advisory Committee (NIAC), to make recommendations regarding the security of the critical infrastructure of the United States. In addition, Thompson has served as the chair of the Silicon Valley Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security and Technology to identify and evaluate technology-driven solutions to improve the security and efficiency of national and local aviation.

He serves on the national board of Teach for America, an organization dedicated to eliminating educational inequities for all children and in 2008 was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.

On the business front, Thompson serves on the board of JovianDATA, an early stage company focused on delivering advanced business analytic services to a rapidly growing on-line advertising market. He also serves as a director on the boards of UPS, the world leader in global logistics, and Seagate Technology, the world leader disk-drive development and manufacturing.

Thompson completed his undergraduate studies at Florida A&M University and holds a master's degree in management science from MIT's Sloan School of Management. In addition, in May 2008, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Notre Dame University.

Pioneer Business Leaders

The Pioneer Business Leader award is given during our annual Pioneers & Purpose event to business leaders who have helped to improve education in the Silicon Valley.

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