Rod Canion

Joseph Rodney "Rod" Canion (born January 19, 1945) is an American computer scientist and businessman. Canion is a co-founder of Compaq Computer Corporation where he served as its first President and CEO.[1][2]

A native of Houston, Canion graduated from the University of Houston in 1966 and 1968 with bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering with an emphasis on computer science.[3] Before co-founding Compaq in 1982, Canion, Harris, and Murto had been senior managers at Texas Instruments. The three co-founders received backing from venture capitalist Benjamin M. Rosen, who became chairman of the board of Compaq.[1]

During Canion's tenure as Compaq's CEO, the company set records for the largest first-year sales in the history of American business and reached the Fortune 500 and the $1 billion revenue mark faster than any other company in history.[3] Canion was a shy man so he took lessons to polish his speaking style at the request of Ben Rosen, Compaq's chairman.

In 1991, Canion was dismissed by Compaq's chairman, Benjamin M. Rosen.[4][5]

In 1992, Canion founded Insource Technology Group with Jim Harris and Ronald L. Fischer and served as its chairman until September 2006.[6] In 1999, he led the initial investment round for Questia Media, Inc., which provides an online research library.[7] He became chairman of the board and later helped the company raise $150 million.[7] He is a member of the Board of Directors of AMVESCAP, BlueArc, and Young Life, and HealthLink, is Director Emeritus of the Houston Technology Center, and is a member of the Board of Advisors for Sternhill Partners.[8][9][10]

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