IBM Chair and CEO Virginia Rometty says there’s been no blowback from the tech giant’s decision to speak out against North Carolina’s HB2.
In an interview with Bloomberg magazine, IBM’s first female CEO said the stand against the LGBT legislation was “expected” by IBM workers.
Asked why IBM spoke out against the bill, she explained:
“We’re one of the largest employers in North Carolina. We’ve had a long dedication to LGBT rights. And you know what? This is a really competitive industry, and you need the best workforce. So you’ve got to be open to everyone.”
Rometty also said there had been no negative impact from the stand.
“Was there any blowback,” Bloomberg asked.
“None,” she replied.
“If anything, our employees expected it.”
IBM was among the early critics of the bill, which was passed earlier this year.
In July, IBM (NYSE: IBM) also joined Red Hat and several other tech firms in filing a brief expressing opposition to HB2.
IBM employs several thousand people at its campus in Research Triangle Park and across the state.
Read the full interview at:
https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-ginni-rometty-interview-issue/
