2001 Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Michael C. Thurk 

B.S. 1975, Computer Science

Michael Thurk is currently president of Ericsson Datacom Inc. As part of a recently announced company-wide reorganization effective July 1, 2000, the Ericsson Datacom and Optical divisions will align to form the Ericsson Data Backbone and Optical Networks division. As a result, Thurk will be promoted to executive vice president of this business unit, and will report directly to Kurt Hellstrom, president of Ericsson. Thurk has also been named a member of Ericsson’s Corporate Executive Team.

Thurk will develop and implement the overall strategy for the Ericsson Datacom and Optical Networks Division and integrate this strategy with the entire Ericsson organization. Thurk's proven strategic leadership has created his reputation for excellence in the data networking industry. This leadership, combined with a strong engineering, marketing and sales background, will enable him to lead the strategic development of Ericsson's datacom and optical business.

Prior to joining Ericsson, Thurk was CEO of Xyplex Networks, where he led the design, manufacturing and distribution support of data communications product lines for worldwide data networking markets.

He also served as senior vice president of marketing and customer service at General DataComm Inc. Before this, Thurk held several executive positions at Digital Equipment Corporation, including vice president of networks and communications engineering and vice president of telecommunications.

Thurk has completed the Advance Management Program at INSEAD in Fountainbleau, France. He received a master of business administration degree from Babson College in Massachusetts and holds a bachelor of computer science degree from Purdue University. He is a founding member and serves on the board of the Massachusetts Telecommunications Council. He is also a board member for Mariposa Technology.