Actually, I've never heard of him before.
I've kind of been turned off by SF lately. Some of the new writers with a lot of positive critical buzz, like Vernor Vinge and Iain M Banks, have been disappointing to me. Even the "Expanse" series has become a bore and I can't bring myself to even start the last one (although I'm still a huge fan of the TV adaptation). But I trust your judgement and based on your recommendation, I'll give Mr Stephenson a go.