Gen. Colin Powell brings his 13 leadership principles to Salesforce’s board

Tech companies like to crow about how elite their corporate board members are. But how many can count a former U.S. Secretary of State at the table? Salesforce can.

The world’s largest customer relationship management (CRM) solutions provider has announced today the appointment of Gen. Colin Powell, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 65th Secretary of State, to its board of directors.

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“General Powell is an extraordinary leader who has inspired and influenced me during more than 15 years of friendship. He was also instrumental in shaping Salesforce.com’s integrated philanthropic model and the formation of the Salesforce.com Foundation many years ago. We couldn’t be happier to have him join our board,” said chairman and chief executive Marc Benioff in a press release.

Powell’s addition to the board is effective as of yesterday, and his appointment coincides with the addition of one seat to Saleforce’s board, bringing the total number to 11.

When asked about the strategy behind the appointment and addition of a board seat, Salesforce’s spokespeople declined to comment, but what is clear is that Powell totes impressive résumé and leadership experiences.

Powell retired as a four-star general after serving 35 years in the U.S. Army and has served in roles ranging from National Security Adviser to limited strategic partner for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. He has received numerous awards in his military and civilian careers, including two Presidential Medals of Freedom. He served as Secretary of State during President George W. Bush’s first term.

He has also broken racial barriers in his career, becoming the first African-American to serve as U.S. Secretary of State and the first African-American to serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.