Sophia Velastegui is an American technologist who utilizes innovation to achieve business outcomes. Currently, she serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Artificial Intelligences for Dynamics 365 Applications at Microsoft. Previously she was a General Manager, responsible for development of AI and Search products and initiatives. Velastegui serves on BlackLine, Inc’s (Nasdaq: BL) board of directors. Blackline is the leading accounting automation software company. Since 2018, she has concurrently served on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council. Before joining Microsoft, Velastegui served as Doppler Lab's chief product officer where she defined a new product category and created the world's first 'smart' earbuds. Prior to Doppler, she headed Google/Nest's Silicon and Architecture Roadmap team where she scaled the organization from start-up to growth business unit following the Google acquisition. Previously, Velastegui was at Apple where she led the Platform Architecture "Think Tank" Program, leveraging AI and machine learning across all of Apple's advanced technology platforms. Prior to Apple, Velastegui held a variety of technology and product development roles at ETM and Applied Materials. In addition to her extensive professional experience, Velastegui serves on Georgia Tech's College of Engineering board which includes 9 schools from Biomedical Engineering to Electrical & Computer Engineering. She previously served on the board of Elwyn.org, a non-profit servicing children and adults with disabilities. Velastegui holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She also completed executive education programs at Stanford Law School and Harvard Business School. Velastegui has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the technology industry including being recognized by Business Insider as one of the 'Most Powerful Female Engineers in the World' for her work in advance technology at Google and then again for her work in AI at Microsoft. Lastly, Velastegui received the prestigious Lumiere Distinguished Leadership Award from the Advanced Imaging Society for innovation and technical impact in advancing the entertainment and media industries. She also has been recognized by EE World Magazine, Medical Design Magazine, Design World Magazine, and Architectural Digest for her leadership in innovation.

Platforms have disrupted industries and made companies like Uber and Airbnb household names. As the concept becomes more entrenched, traditional companies and everyday businesses are looking to capitalize on a platform strategy to innovate new products and services and stay abreast of tough competition. A digital platform is an environment that connects different groups, allowing participants to benefit from the presence of others. Accenture called digital platforms the "most profound and global macroeconomic change since the industrial revolution." Half of companies surveyed by Accenture defined platforms as central to their business strategy, with 40% citing platforms as a critical enabler.

BlackLine, Inc. (Nasdaq: BL) announced today that Sophia Velastegui of Microsoft has joined the accounting automation software leader's board of directors, effective March 16th, 2020, bringing the number of female directors on BlackLine's board to three. A widely recognized technology industry leader and artificial intelligence (AI) expert, Ms. Velastegui will draw on her more than 20 years of experience at global technology trailblazers Microsoft, Google and Apple to help BlackLine maintain its leadership position and guide the company through its next phase of growth. "Sophia has an incredible technology background and is recognized as one of the foremost engineers in the field," said BlackLine CEO Therese Tucker. "She'll bring that experience and knowledge to our board and will help ensure that BlackLine utilizes the latest AI, machine learning and other predictive and emerging technologies to continue to innovate and serve our customers. And, she shares my passion, advocating for diversity in technology and leadership."