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Rick Thompson, corporate vice president of the Windows Client Extended Platforms Division at Microsoft Corp., oversees the companys efforts to lead the evolution of the PC and its peripherals, focusing on innovative business solutions, home entertainment, communications and control. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience with consumer technology, Thompson heads the team developing new Windows® technologies to enrich and simplify home and business environments.
The Windows Client Extended Platforms Division is composed of three units, including the Windows eHome Division and the Windows Tablet PC and Windows Hardware Experiences groups, which are charged with developing advanced features and new product enhancements that augment the companys core Windows operating systems. Thompson is responsible for handling managerial and operational aspects of the unit, freeing his staff to develop innovative, new end-to-end computing experiences for professionals and consumers. These products include Windows XP Media Center Edition, MSN® Direct and Tablet PC; Thompsons Windows Client Extended Platforms Division also is developing a variety of futuristic concept PCs.
A longtime Microsoft employee, Thompson rejoined the company in December 2002. In 2000 he left Microsoft to join Go2Net Inc., where he served as chief financial officer and vice president of product development.
Thompson originally joined Microsoft in 1987 as product manager for the Microsoft® Mouse. Thompson was named general manager of Microsoft Hardware in 1991 and vice president in 1996. Under Thompsons leadership, Microsoft Hardware developed many groundbreaking new products, including the Natural® Keyboard and SideWinder® gaming devices, and grew from 13 employees and $30 million in annual revenue to 300 employees generating $600 million in revenue. In July 1999, Thompson joined the nascent Xbox® team to build the new technologys business case and go-to-market strategy, culminating in his announcement of Xbox in Tokyo in March 2000.
He graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 1981 with a bachelors degree in French and economics. Thompson also exercises his entrepreneurial spirit as owner of Seattle Chocolates and co-owner of Ferrari of Seattle. He is married, has two children and lives in Yarrow Point, Wash. | 