Tony Fadell, who was formerly senior vice president of Apple’s iPod division, is the latest Silicon Valley IT expert to make a shift to clean tech.
A leading executive behind the iPod and iPhone, Fadell stepped down from his senior vice president role in November 2008 but stayed on with Apple as special advisor to CEO Steve Jobs until recently. Now, rumor is, he is moving into the fast-growing clean tech sector to focus on producing consumer-focused green technology.
In his first, and apparently only post on Twitter, Fadell wrote, “It was my last day at Apple. Thanks to Steve and the team for an amazing and unforgettable 9 years helping to change the world. All the best,” on March 30th.
“My primary focus will be helping the environment by working with consumer green-tech companies,” told the NYTimes by phone. “I’m determined to tell my kids and grandkids amazing stories beyond my iPod and iPhone ones.”
Other notable IT executives who have shifted to clean tech in recent years include SAP executive Shai Agassi, who founded the electric car company Better Place; and co-founder of PayPal Elon Musk, who is Chairman, Product Architect and CEO of another major electric car company, Tesla Motors. Ever heard of them?
Bill Gates, arguably the father of the IT revolution is also shifting focus a bit and is a leading clean tech investor now.
It will be interesting to see where innovative tech guru Fadell lands or what he starts up to help make our world a little cleaner. Danny Bradbury of Business Green writes, “while the energy and transport sectors have attracted billions in low-carbon investment in recent years, the consumer electronics market in which he specialises is yet to see as much innovation designed to cut carbon emissions and environmental impacts.” Hopefully, Fadell can come in and help that to happen.
Image Credit: Zengame via flickr/CC license
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