Andrea Jung appointment to Apple board reflects importance of women in tech market

For whatever reason, the technology industry tends to be a more male dominated businessplace. With the exception of women like Meg Whitman of Ebay and Carly Fiorina formerly of HP, surprisingly few women break through to the higher ranks of technology companies.

That is one reason why the Andrea Jung appointment is refreshing. Apple is not known for its diversity at the top. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In one instance, Apple is currently being sued for workplace discrimination by a woman who claims that one of Apple’s managers wrote a memo describing her as a “rather obese-sized black lesbian.” While I have no idea if this is even remotely true, a look at Apple's current board of directors and top management isn't exactly a model of diversity (100% white men).

But, this appointment isn't just about diversity. Yes, Andrea is an Asian woman. However, what is by far most important is that she is a rockstar at marketing to women. As the CEO of Avon, it would be hard to find a more focused background at attracting woman to products. Something also sorely needed in the IT world. While Apple's products are gobbled up by people of both sexes - some would say more so than their competitors - more female leadership can only make them stronger.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that she is on the board of GE, the parent company of NBC/Universal which Apple has been having problems with in the iTunes arena.

Kudos to Apple, for a step in the right direction that shows their innovation leads aren't just in technology.