Magic Leap has appointed Peggy Johnson, a former executive at Microsoft, as CEO of the Plantation-based spatial computing company. She assumes the role Aug. 1.

Johnson succeeds Magic Leap founder Rony Abovitz, who announced he would step down late May after leading the company since 2011.

"Magic Leap has pioneered the field of spatial computing, and I have long admired the relentless efforts and accomplishments of this exceptional team," Johnson said. "Magic Leap's technological foundation is undeniable, and there is no question that [it] has the potential to shape the future of XR and computing."

Johnson has more than three decades of experience in the technology sector and was most recently executive VP of business development at software giant Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT). An electrical engineer by trade, she is credited with having a record of leading and growing businesses through strategic partnerships and transactions, such as Microsoft's corporate venture fund, M12.

Before joining Microsoft in 2014, Johnson spent 24 years at another technology giant, San Diego-based Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM), where she held several leadership positions. She was also a member of the company's executive committee.

Johnson currently serves on the board of directors of BlackRock Inc. and on the advisory board for the nonprofit Huntington's Disease Society of America San Diego Chapter. She earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from San Diego State University.

Johnson joins Magic Leap as the company shifts its focus to commercial customers to advance the widespread adoption of its wearable devices. The company recently withdrew an announcement that it would have to lay off half of its workers after securing funding at an amount the company has not confirmed with the Business Journal. Magic Leap once employed over 1,000 in South Florida. It's not clear how many employees remain here.

"We have been fortunate to have a number of extremely qualified candidates express interest in the position of CEO. However, as soon as Peggy raised her hand there was no question in my mind, or the board's, that she was absolutely the best person to lead this company into the future," Abovitz said. "As Magic Leap drives towards commercializing spatial computing for enterprise, I can't think of a better and more capable leader than Peggy Johnson to carry our mission forward."

Magic Leap is currently developing Magic Leap 2.