Redmond-based electronics company Plugable has named Lynn Smurthwaite-Murphy, who is based outside of Toronto, as the company's new CEO.
Smurthwaite-Murphy is taking over for Bernie Thompson, also the company's founder, who is stepping into the chief technology officer role. According to Smurthwaite-Murphy, the move, which was announced Wednesday, allows Thompson to focus on building new technology while Smurthwaite-Murphy, previously the CEO at the electronics company StarTech.com, can focus on growth.
"This is a company that has really done quite well in the pandemic. They've been very lucky because the type of product they make, it enables work from home, and it enables return-to-work," Smurthwaite-Murphy said. "(Thompson) has a passion around the technology and around that roadmap, also around AI and machine learning. Those happen to be pretty strategic for the company as well."
Smurthwaite-Murphy spent about three years at StarTech.com, after which she was an adviser for the consulting group Inc. CEO Project. She has helped Plugable as a strategic adviser to the executive team since late last year. Before StarTech.com, she worked at the technology distributor Westcon-Comstor for 18 years, where her most recent role was executive vice president of North America.
Plugable has about 50 employees, according to Smurthwaite-Murphy, and besides a handful of employees who need to actually be near the company's hardware, employees can choose to either work in person in Redmond or remotely. The company said in a release that it has hired 70% more remote and hybrid roles than in-person roles since adopting a remote policy last year.
Plugable was founded in 2009. The company makes electronics like USB hubs, docking stations and Bluetooth keyboards. Plugable's electronics are aimed at both individual consumers and IT professionals, Smurthwaite-Murphy said, but the real target demographic is tech influencers.
As for running a company remotely, Smurthwaite-Murphy said she is used to the experience.
"Before it became a thing, I was running a remote business when I was running Westcon for many years," Smurthwaite-Murphy said. "You have to stay in touch. You have to make sure that you understand what the employee experience is looking for."
