Former Yahoo! Chief Joins AT&T's Board, Expanding It to 11 Directors

Dallas-based AT&T (NYSE: T) has added a major player to its boardroom, announcing that tech industry heavyweight Marissa Mayer has been elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. The strategic appointment brings the total number of AT&T directors to 11 and reflects the company’s aim to assemble a diverse team of experts to guide America’s connectivity future.

Mayer brings a wealth of experience in technology and innovation to her new role at AT&T. She is best known for her tenure as CEO, president, and a member of the board at Yahoo!, as well as her trailblazing 13-year stint as Google’s first female engineer and 20th employee, where she played a crucial role in the company’s early growth and success.

Currently, Mayer serves as the CEO of Sunshine Products, a tech startup she co-founded in 2018. The startup aims to use tech, including artificial intelligence, to help improve mundane tasks. Its first official product—a contact list app released in 2020—aims to enhance the way people manage and interact with their contacts.

Mayer will serve on two board committees

Throughout her career, Mayer has demonstrated her ability to lead and drive innovation in the technology sector, according to an AT&T statement. As a member of AT&T’s board, Mayer will contribute that expertise to the Audit and the Corporate Development and Finance committees.

Mayer’s appointment comes at a crucial time as AT&T continues to expand its technological horizons, offering cutting-edge 5G and multi-gig internet services to over 100 million U.S. individuals and businesses.

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Bill Kennard, the independent chairman of AT&T’s board and a well-known figure with his roles as the former U.S. ambassador to the EU and former chairman of the FCC, praised Mayer’s extensive tech expertise and industry leadership.

Bill Kennard has served as chairman of the board of directors of AT&T since 2021.

“Mayer’s extensive background in technology and her deep understanding of how consumers experience and engage with the internet will be a valuable addition to the board,” Kennard said in a statement.

Mayer, who has an undergrad degree in symbolic systems and a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence from Stanford University, has been a member of the Walmart board since 2012. She is also on the board of the San Francisco Ballet, and previously was on the foundation board for the Forum of Young Global Leaders at the World Economic Forum.

AT&T Board of Directors 2024 lineup

AT&T’s board includes a lineup of seasoned leaders, per the company. In addition to new member Mayer, the other 10 members of the board are:

William E. Kennard: As the independent chairman of the board, Kennard brings a global perspective with his experience in international diplomacy and regulatory affairs.
Scott T. Ford: The CEO of Westrock Group, Ford’s expertise includes strategic investments and extensive experience in the telecom industry.
Glenn H. Hutchins: As the chairman of North Island and co-founder of Silver Lake and former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, he offers experience in areas intersecting tech, innovation, and investment, along with financial, public policy, and strategic planning experience.
Stephen J. Luczo: The managing partner at Crosspoint Capital Partners, Luczo contributes deep knowledge in technology, business development, strategic planning, and operations through his leadership at Seagate.
Michael B. McCallister: The retired chairman and CEO of Humana, McCallister brings expertise in healthcare and corporate governance.
Beth E. Mooney: With a background as the retired chairman and CEO of KeyCorp, Mooney adds financial acumen and leadership insight.
Matthew K. Rose: The retired chairman and CEO of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Rose provides expertise in complex operations management and logistics.
John Stankey: As the CEO of AT&T, Stankey leads the company’s charge for transformation with a focus on innovation and connectivity solutions.
Cynthia B. Taylor: The president and CEO of Oil States International, Taylor offers experience in finance and public accounting, as well as international business affairs.
Luis A. Ubiñas: As the chairman of the Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, Ubiñas adds leadership experience and expertise across the broadband and wireless industries, government, and the nonprofit sector.