Leadership
We have a dedicated and passionate group of leaders who not only drive our strategy and business operations, but who help to inspire our global team to think big about the possibilities of data.
Executive Leaders
Chief Executive Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Irving Tan is the Chief Executive Officer at Western Digital. Widely known as an exceptional leader, he has decades of experience in sales and global operations, market transitions, and customer and government dynamics. His focus on people is evidenced by his track record leading high-performing teams that achieve sustained results.
Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, he held the position of Executive Vice President for Global Operations at Western Digital, responsible for all global operations functions, including manufacturing operations, procurement and supply chain, and IT.
Previously, Irving served as Cisco's Chairperson, Asia Pacific, Japan, and China, responsible for leading the company's strategy to capture the significant growth opportunity that the APJC region offered and strengthen key customer and ecosystem relationships. During his time at Cisco, he was Executive Vice President and Global Chief of Operations where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the company's operating strategy and targeted growth through productivity improvements and innovation across all core business functions, including sales, engineering, supply chain, and services. He also served as the sales leader of Cisco Asia Pacific and Japan, where he grew the sales business consistently over his tenure and advanced APJ's position as one of the most trusted IT partners and providers in the region.
Irving currently serves as the Chairman on the Board of Directors for SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services). Additionally, he has served as an advisor to governments and industry partners on using technology to innovate and transform. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in business administration from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, and an honorary doctoral degree in engineering from Curtin University.
Chief Financial Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Kris Sennesael currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Western Digital. He is responsible for the global finance organization, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, and corporate real estate.
Kris is a global, hands-on leader with a strong semiconductor and tech background and has deep experience across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Prior to Western Digital, Kris was CFO at Skyworks Solutions, where he drove strategic direction and scaled the business through organic and inorganic growth. He also served as CFO at Enphase Energy and Standard Microsystems, and held leadership roles at ON Semiconductor, AMI Semiconductor, and Alcatel Microelectronics. Kris also serves on the board of directors and as chairman of the audit committee of Maxeon Solar Technologies.
Kris holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Ghent, Belgium, as well as an MBA from the Vlerick Management School.
Chief Product Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Ahmed Shihab is the Chief Product Officer at Western Digital. In this role, he is responsible for leading engineering and product strategy as well as innovation and the development of current and future Western Digital products and solutions.
With over 30 years of experience across product design and business leadership, Ahmed has consistently delivered on the needs of customers and the business by developing a culture of quality and agile execution.
Prior to Western Digital, Ahmed served as Corporate Vice President of Azure Storage at Microsoft, where he led the engineering and operations teams for object and block storage, driving the design and development of Microsoft's cloud storage solutions. Previously he served as Vice President, Infrastructure Hardware at AWS, where he led innovation, building, and operations of AWS's compute and storage global fleet. He also held leadership roles at NetApp and Xyratex. Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering from the University of Southampton in England.
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Western Digital Corporation
B. Scott Davis is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Western Digital. In this role, he is responsible for driving business growth and setting the strategic direction for sales and marketing. He oversees go-to-market strategies, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives to maximize revenue and market impact.
As a veteran sales executive with over 37 years at the company, Scott has unmatched experience in fostering deep, lasting customer relationships and cultivating high-performing teams. He has held various executive leadership roles within the company, including leading Latin America, Americas, Strategic Accounts, and most recently, serving as Senior Vice President of Global Channel and ROEM Sales.
Scott holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Western Digital Corporation
Cynthia Tregillis is the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Western Digital. She oversees the company's worldwide legal, risk management, compliance, and government relations functions.
In her role, Cynthia advises the company's executive leadership team and members of the company's Board of Directors. She oversees the teams responsible for supporting the company's efforts to develop, manufacture, market and sell storage products globally through the company's independent subsidiaries. She also leads teams responsible for protecting the company's significant intellectual property, strengthening and defending the company's brands worldwide, and complying with regulatory and public company obligations. Since joining Western Digital in 2012, she has held several positions, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel.
Previously, Cynthia was an attorney Of Counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Oppenheimer, Wolff & Donnelly LLP, where her practice focused on intellectual property and civil litigation. She was also a judicial clerk at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Cynthia sits on the Boards of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, U.S.-India Business Council, and International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition. She is the past chair of the University of Southern California Intellectual Property Institute and a member of the Executive and Planning Committees. She is also a founding leader of the Los Angeles chapter of ChIPs, an organization focused on connecting and advancing women in technology, policy, and the law. The World Trademark Review has identified her on its WTR 300 and Global Leaders lists.
Cynthia graduated from the University of California, San Diego (Revelle College) and the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Chief of Global Operations
Western Digital Corporation
Vidya Gubbi is the Chief of Global Operations at Western Digital. He is responsible for all global operations functions, including manufacturing operations, procurement, supply chain, quality and sustainability.
With more than 36 years of experience and deep expertise through many facets of the storage industry, Vidya is known for his passion for technology and building high performing teams with proven results. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Operating Unit at Western Digital, leading more than 30,000 employees in manufacturing, engineering and supply chain to consistently deliver exceptional products to its customers.
Previously, he has held numerous leadership positions at various companies including Western Digital, Maxtor, and Seagate, across research, product and technology development, and operations. He also holds multiple patents in HDD technologies.
Vidya holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University, California, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from National Institute of Technology, India.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Katie Watson is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Western Digital. She oversees the company’s global human resources functions.
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Katie partners closely with the executive management team and the company’s Board of Directors to strategically enable the organization and leads the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on behalf of management. She oversees Western Digital’s HR functions, leading a high-performing, business-aligned HR organization that empowers employees and activates a culture of innovation.
Katie is a global Human Resources leader with over 25 years of experience across the life sciences, technology, and semiconductor industries.
Previously, she was the Chief Human Resources Officer at Solidigm Technologies, a $9B divestiture from Intel, where she was responsible for building the HR function from scratch and helping the organization establish a new culture and value proposition. Prior to that, she spent nearly 17 years at Gilead Sciences, a global biopharmaceutical company, where she led the HR function and partnered closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and other top-level executives on strategies to enable organizational and geographic growth, establish an engaged workforce, and create a mission-based culture that aligned with the company’s core values.
Katie is a graduate of Stanford’s Board of Directors’ Governance Program, a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and a Certified Executive Coach. In 2017, she was named one of SF Business Times’ Most Influential Women in Business.
Katie has a B.A. in Psychology from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.
Chief Information Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Sesh Tirumala is the Chief Information Officer at Western Digital, driving the company's digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation through technology. In this role, he oversees all of Information technology, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise data and analytics.
Sesh brings more than 30 years of experience and has a proven ability to translate business needs into effective technology strategies to enable profitable growth, streamline operations and enhance customer, partner, and employee experiences. He has extensive experience leading teams responsible for strategy, architecture, mergers & acquisitions, technology product delivery, and shared services.
Previously, Sesh served as PagerDuty’s Chief Information Officer, where he and his team were responsible for creating data-driven, seamless relationships with customers while improving operational efficiency and streamlining employee experience. Prior to that, he was the CIO at Anaplan, where he oversaw IT and partnered closely with Anaplan’s Product, Go to Market, and Business Operations teams. Prior to that role, he served as Divisional CIO for Cisco’s multi-billion-dollar software business.
Sesh holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, India.
Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Shantnu Sharma is the Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Western Digital. In this role, he is responsible for defining and implementing the growth strategy and innovation for Western Digital. He has over 25 years of experience, having held various leadership roles across operations, strategy, corporate development, and technology leadership.
Previously, Shantnu has been the Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Arrow Electronics, where he was responsible for planning, strategy, investments, capital allocation, and M&A. He also crafted Arrow’s enterprise AI/ML strategy for both operational efficiency and top line growth. Prior to that, Shantnu served as Corporate Vice President, Head of Strategy and M&A at AMD, and in that role, he was part of the core team that turned the company around, set up several large joint ventures, bought Xilinx, and helped AMD enter the AI and cryptocurrency markets. Earlier in his career, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey, and as an electrical and software engineer.
Shantnu holds a Master’s degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and the MIT School of Engineering.
Chief of Staff
Western Digital Corporation
Ginita Taylor is the Chief of Staff to the CEO at Western Digital. She is responsible for planning and executing all aspects of the CEO office, as well as leading Strategic and Employee Communications.
Serving as a strategic thought partner and advisor to the CEO and the broader Executive Leadership Team, she drives operational expertise and strategic insight, facilitates communication across all WD organizations, oversees critical cross functional projects, and enhances the efficiency of the executive functions.
Partnering closely with the business, Ginita is passionate about fostering a collaborative atmosphere to achieve the company’s vision and objectives, whilst delivering the needs of WD's internal and external customers.
With more than 25 years experience in the tech industry across Asia and the USA, she has previously held leadership roles in strategy and planning, sales and partner enablement and employee experience.
Ginita holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Newcastle, Australia.
Board of Directors
Principal
Alexy Capital Management
Kimberly Alexy has been a director since November 2018. Alexy is a seasoned financial services professional and brings to the board more than 25 years of experience in capital markets, corporate finance and investments. She founded Alexy Capital Management, a private investment fund, in 2005 and serves as its principal. Previously, Alexy served as a sell-side equity research analyst on Wall Street for nearly a decade, specializing in the technology and corporate finance industries at Prudential Securities, Lehman Brothers and Wachovia Bank. Alexy is a chartered financial analyst.
Chairman of the Board, Western Digital Corporation
Former Chief Executive
Accenture plc Technology Group
Martin I. Cole is chairman of the board of directors of Western Digital Corporation. He has been a director since 2014. Prior to retiring in August 2014, Cole served as the chief executive of Accenture plc's Technology Group, with responsibility for the full range of Accenture’s technology consulting and outsourcing solutions and delivery capabilities, including its global delivery network. He led technology innovation, including the Accenture Technology Labs, the Accenture software business and development of emerging technology solutions, including cloud solutions. Prior to that, Cole served Accenture in a variety of capacities since 1980, including as chief executive of the communications, media and technology operating group, chief executive of the public service operating group, and global managing director of the outsourcing and infrastructure delivery group. During his tenure, Cole also served as the chairman of the board of Avanade, a joint venture of Accenture and Microsoft and was a member of Accenture’s global management and operating committees.
Cole currently serves as a director for The Western Union Company. He is the co-author of Unlocking Public Value: A New Model for Achieving High Performance in Public Service Organizations, a guide to understanding how public service organizations can measure, analyze and improve public value over time.
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Maxim Integrated
Tunç Doluca has been a director since August 2018. Doluca brings over 40 years of executive leadership and technical experience in the semiconductor industry to the board. He served as the president and chief executive officer of Maxim Integrated, a developer of innovative analog and mixed-signal products and technologies, from 2007 to 2021, when it was acquired by Analog Devices, Inc. He led multiple strategic initiatives that transformed the company’s operational and manufacturing execution, including the alignment of product development with end markets and the transition of Maxim Integrated’s manufacturing to a more flexible hybrid production model. Previously, Doluca held a variety of management positions at Maxim Integrated, including leading R&D and serving as group president of its portable, computing and instrumentation electronics business units. He has designed over 40 products and holds 11 patents.
Former Chief Financial Officer
Maxim Integrated
Bruce brings 25 years of financial and management experience in the semiconductor industry. He has worked extensively with public company boards of directors to drive transformational business changes, design innovative capital structure programs, and assess large inbound and outbound M&A opportunities.
Previously, Bruce served as Chief Financial Officer of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., an integrated circuits manufacturing company, from 2007 until his retirement in 2019. From 2006-2007, he served as acting Chief Financial Officer at Broadcom Corporation, a semiconductor manufacturer. Prior to that, he served in various positions at Broadcom Corporation from 1999-2007, a global semiconductor manufacturer, including as Vice President and acting Chief Financial Officer. He also held senior financial and accounting roles at LSI Logic Corporation and IBM.
Bruce currently serves on the board of directors of Onsemi, a semiconductor company. He is also a Certified Management Accountant. He received a Bachelor’s degree in applied science from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Business Administration degree from The College of William and Mary.
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Matthew Massengill has been a director of Western Digital since January 2000. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer at Western Digital Corporation from January 2000 to October 2005, Chairman from 2000 to 2007 and from 2015 to 2024. Mr. Massengill served as the Chief Operating Officer of Western Digital Corporation from October 1999 to January 2000, Co-Chief Operating Officer from August 1999 to October 1999. He joined Western Digital Corporation in 1985 and served in various executive capacities until January 2007.
Mr. Massengill was a Research Engineer for the Ford Aerospace and Communication Corporation. He has technical training with over 40 years of business and leadership experience in the technology industry, and service on the boards of directors of several public companies. He has been an Independent Director of VIZIO Inc, GT Advanced Technologies Inc, serving as its Chairman, Conexant Systems Inc, serving as Lead Independent Director, Microsemi Corporation, serving as Chair of the Compensation Committee. He has served as a Director of several non-profit organizations including Orange County Technology Action Network, South Coast Repertory and THINK Together.
Mr. Massengill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and has received their Outstanding Electrical Engineering Alumni and Distinguished Engineering Alumni awards.
Former Chief Financial Officer
Medallia, Inc.
Previously, Roxanne served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Medallia, Inc., a SaaS customer experience management company, from 2018 until 2022. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer at CallidusCloud, a marketing and sales SaaS company. She has also held various financial positions of increasing responsibility at Thoratec Corporation, a medical device company, including Interim Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, she held various roles at Zomax, a logistics and supply chain company, Foster Poultry Farms, a poultry distributor, and Alphatec Holdings, a semiconductor subcontractor.
Roxanne currently serves on the board of directors of Klaviyo, Plume Design, and Human Interest. She also serves as the audit committee chair at Plume Design. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business.
Former Chief Executive Officer
Libbey Inc.
Stephanie Streeter has been a director since November 2018. Streeter brings extensive senior executive leadership experience overseeing companies with manufacturing and operations across the globe. She served as chief executive officer of Libbey Inc., a producer of glass tableware products, from 2011 to 2016, and held various roles at Banta Corporation, a commercial printing and supply-chain management services company, including chairman, president and chief executive officer, from 2001 to 2007. She also spent 14 years with Avery Dennison Corporation in a variety of product and business management positions, including as Group Vice President of Worldwide Office Products from 1996 to 2000. Streeter was a member of the board of directors of the United States Olympic Committee from 2004 to 2009, where she also served as Acting Chief Executive Officer from March 2009 to March 2010.
Chief Executive Officer
Western Digital Corporation
Irving Tan is the Chief Executive Officer at Western Digital. Widely known as an exceptional leader, he has decades of experience in sales and global operations, market transitions, and customer and government dynamics. His focus on people is evidenced by his track record leading high-performing teams that achieve sustained results.
Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, he held the position of Executive Vice President for Global Operations at Western Digital, responsible for all global operations functions, including manufacturing operations, procurement and supply chain, and IT.
Previously, Irving served as Cisco's Chairperson, Asia Pacific, Japan, and China, responsible for leading the company's strategy to capture the significant growth opportunity that the APJC region offered and strengthen key customer and ecosystem relationships. During his time at Cisco, he was Executive Vice President and Global Chief of Operations where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the company's operating strategy and targeted growth through productivity improvements and innovation across all core business functions, including sales, engineering, supply chain, and services. He also served as the sales leader of Cisco Asia Pacific and Japan, where he grew the sales business consistently over his tenure and advanced APJ's position as one of the most trusted IT partners and providers in the region.
Irving currently serves as the Chairman on the Board of Directors for SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services). Additionally, he has served as an advisor to governments and industry partners on using technology to innovate and transform. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in business administration from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, and an honorary doctoral degree in engineering from Curtin University.
Committees
U.S. Public Policy Activities
Western Digital participates in legislative, regulatory, and public policy affairs as deemed by management and the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the Company without regard for the private political preferences of executives. The Board of Directors' Governance Committee, which consists solely of independent directors, reviews and approves on at least an annual basis the Company's political and lobbying strategy, activities and expenditures, including payments to trade associations, and the policies and procedures regarding the foregoing. The Company's Government Affairs function directs all political activity on the federal, state, and local level, in compliance with the Western Digital U.S. Political Activities Policy, where applicable.
The Company does not have or support a political action committee. The Company also does not make independent political expenditures using corporate funds or resources, nor do we make payments to trade and other industry associations to be used specifically for political purposes. Prior approval by the Governance Committee is required to use corporate funds or resources for donations to local, state, or national elections, whether to candidates, political parties, non-candidate organizations, Section 501(c)(4) organizations, Section 527 organizations, or local or state ballot measures. The Governance Committee has approved the use of corporate funds or resources for donations to local, state, or national elections for the following: None, as of February 29, 2024. This information will be updated if/when any such spending occurs or at least every 6 months. Should such spending be approved and incurred, this website will be updated accordingly with specific policy positions that form the basis of the spending. Information regarding Western Digital's trade and industry association memberships can be found here: 2021 Trade Associations, 2022 Trade Associations, and 2023 Trade Associations.