Brad Smith (American lawyer)
Bradford Lee Smith is an American lawyer and corporate executive who serves as the President and Vice Chairman of Microsoft Corporation. Known for his expertise in technology policy, intellectual property law, and digital privacy issues, Smith has been a key figure in Microsoft's legal and public policy strategies, especially in advocating for human rights and ethical AI standards.[1]
Brad Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Princeton University (B.A.), Columbia Law School (J.D.) |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, President and Vice Chairman of Microsoft |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Employer | Microsoft Corporation |
| Known for | Corporate law, Technology policy, Human rights advocacy |
| Title | President and Vice Chairman |
| Spouse | Kathy Surace-Smith |
Early Life and Education
changeBrad Smith was born in the United States. He attended Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. Following his undergraduate studies, Smith attended Columbia Law School, graduating with a J.D. in 1985.[2]
Career
changeEarly Career
changeAfter completing his education, Smith began his legal career in Washington, D.C., working as an associate attorney for Covington & Burling, where he specialized in corporate and technology law.[3][4]
Microsoft
changeIn 1993, Smith joined Microsoft as a corporate lawyer, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his expertise in intellectual property law and technology policy. By 2002, he became Microsoft's General Counsel, later assuming the role of President in 2015. As President, Smith has been instrumental in shaping Microsoft's approach to issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, and human rights.[5]
Under Smith's leadership, Microsoft has taken stances on pressing global issues, including advocating for ethical AI use, supporting privacy laws like the GDPR, and fighting for human rights protections online. Smith also helped establish the Defending Democracy Program to protect elections from cyber threats.
Awards and Recognition
change- Named among Fortune magazine's "World’s 50 Greatest Leaders"
- Recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as a member in the field of public affairs
Publications
change- Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age (2019)
References
change- ↑ "World needs new digital Geneva Convention, says Microsoft President Brad Smith". FE Tech Bytes. 2017-11-11. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=21620&LangID=E
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/07/11/microsoft-wants-to-bring-2-million-americans-online-by-2022/
- ↑ "The Politics of Refugees: The Development and Promotion of International Refugee Law - Princeton University Library Catalog". catalog.princeton.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ Frean, Alexandra (2017-03-31). "In a world under cyberattack on all sides, Microsoft wants to fight back". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2024-11-11.