“Penny and Arne are both strong leaders with impressive accomplishments and contributions that span business and public service,” said John Thompson, independent Microsoft board chairman. “They will serve as valuable additions to the board.” Named of the top 100 most powerful women in the world, Pritzker saw early success through her family’s business. Working her way up, she then founded Pritzker Realty Group, PSP Capital Partners, and co-founded Artemis Real Estate Partners. As well as a great businesswoman, Pritzker has spearheaded philanthropic efforts as a Chicago Board of Education member and founder of the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, which encourages physical activity in young people. Undoubtedly the combinations will make her the perfect board member at Microsoft.
Arne Sorenson
Sorenson had a slightly different rise to recognition, moving into a close-knit family rather than through it. The first non-family member to lead Marriott, he previously served as chairman of the company’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and co-founded its Global Sustainability Council. A registered Democrat, he has also been pushing for LGBT rights, formally opposing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and requesting a repeal of North Carolina’s House Bill 2. His philosophies draw parallels with Microsoft, who has criticized Donald Trump’s reversal of transgender rights. However, previously practicing law in D.C. with Latham and Watkins and working as a director for Wal-Mart, he would also bring valuable expertise in those areas. Sorenson and Pritzker have collaborated as part of U.S. delegation sent to an entrepreneurship summit in Cuba. They also met at the WTTC Global Summit in 2016. Should they join the board, the two will join the likes of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Bill Gates, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, and more.
