Former interim CEO of The Boeing Company in 2005, James Bell, joins Apple’s Board of Directors as of October 1, 2015. James Bell was a top-class leader at Boeing, overseeing the Boeing Capital Corporation and Boeing Shared Services during his illustrious, 38-year career with Boeing. His decades of experience are set to benefit Apple in the areas of finance, strategic planning and complex organization leadership.

Top-Notch Ex-Boeing CFO

James revealed that he is an avid user of Apple products, and that he holds a tremendous amount of respect for the innovation of Apple across the industry. He is also a board member at J. P. Morgan Chase, Dow Chemical Company, the Chicago Urban League, World Business Chicago, the Chicago Economic Club and New Leaders for New Schools.

Bell also happens to be a trustee of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, and has been known for his active involvement in projects beneficial to the community at large. Bell retired from service at Boeing in 2012 as the most successful African-American employee ever, in The Boeing Capital Corporation’s history.

Diversity in Apple’s Boardroom

This retired Boeing CFO creates diversity in Apple’s boardroom, as is reported by CNET, and is the eighth member to join Apple’s board of directors. Apple is happy to have him on board, being yet another of Tim Cook’s staffing changes.

Cook welcomes James Bell in a statement saying: “James brings a wealth of global, financial and industrial experience from his successful career at Boeing as corporate president and CFO.”

James Bell is likely to bring many benefits to Apple’s manufacturing industry, as well as strategic insight into planning and leadership. His financial experience should also prove an asset to Apple, with James. A. Bell having a decorated background in accountancy.  James A. Bell is the sole African-American member of Apple’s Board of Directors, as well as the first.