Dr. G. Wayne Clough, president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, today announced that Mr. Robert K. Thompson, executive vice president for Administration and Finance, will retire effective April 1.

"Bob has made an extraordinary contribution to the transformation of Georgia Tech into one of our nation's leading universities," Clough said. "During his tenure Bob's innovative leadership was critical to successfully completing more than $1 billion worth of construction and development projects on campus. He also modernized our administrative systems and processes in ways that made the campus much more efficient and customer-friendly.

"My 13-plus years at Georgia Tech have been the highlight of my 40-year career in higher education," Thompson said. "I am forever grateful to Dr. Clough for this opportunity to help move Georgia Tech from good to great under his leadership. I am very proud of the outstanding leadership team I assembled in Administration and Finance, and am confident in their ability to continue helping Georgia Tech move forward. I also want to thank the many students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Georgia Tech for their support over these wonderful years."

Thompson joined Georgia Tech in 1995 from the University of Washington. He will be succeeded by Steven G. Swant, vice president for Administration and Finance.

"Steve brings a history of experience at top institutions with previous employment at UCLA and the University of Washington, in addition to his 12 years at Georgia Tech," Clough stated. "He understands fully what it takes to be a first rate university, knows how to handle the complex demands of the position and will provide the leadership and continuity the Institute requires as we look to the challenges that lie ahead."

Swant has been responsible for the Institute's operating and capital budget development and administration, institutional research, and strategic planning since 1996. His duties as Thompson's chief deputy were added in 2006 when he was appointed to the position of vice president for Administration and Finance.