First African-American Joins Apple’s Board

James A. Bell

James A. Bell, a 38 year veteran of aerospace giant Boeing, will be joining Apple’s Board of Directors as its first African-American Member.

Bell comes to Apple with an impressive resume that includes his nearly four decades at Boeing where he retired as the company’s chief financial officer. Bell was also the highest ranking  African-American in Boeing history and served as the interim CEO in 2005. Bell’s resume includes board membership at JPMorgan Chase, Dow Chemical and CDW. He is also a trustee at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center.

In a statement Bell said, “I am an avid user of Apple products and have a tremendous respect for the company’s ability to innovate. I am delighted to join Apple’s board.”

Apple reported it is making progress hiring more women and minorities to the company. It’s been well documented that Silicon Valley has a serious diversity problem. Apple has hired 65 percent more women, 50 percent more African-Americans and 66 percent more Latinos in the past 12 months. The data was released by Apple’s Diversity Report. Bell’s hiring will improve diversity at the company’s highest level.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “ James brings a wealth of global financial  and industrial experience from his successful career at Boeing as corporate president and CFO. I am thrilled to welcome him to Apple’s board of directors.”