"Michael has built an impressive record of success, leading initiatives that have helped make Google a forward-thinking and highly respected company," said Peter Chirlian, Armanta's CEO. "As both an entrepreneur and corporate executive, Michael can provide fresh perspective and vision as we explore the ideas that will build on our history. His leadership, management experience, and unparalleled knowledge of cutting-edge technology will help position Armanta for further success in diversified global markets."

"For nearly two years I have watched Armanta grow its clever technology and list of successful customers," said Jones. "It will be my pleasure to help them bring these innovations to more markets and through that, see the power of analytic insight drive better decision making in industries and businesses around the world."

Michael Jones is Google's Chief Technology Advocate, charged with advancing the technology to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. He was formerly CTO of Google Maps, Earth, and Local—the teams responsible for providing location intelligence and information in global context to users worldwide. A computer programmer since the fourth grade, he is a prolific inventor, a developer of scientific and computer graphics software, an engineering and business executive.