Senior Director, Head of WD Capital

Company DescriptionWD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description Western Digital is seeking a Senior Director to lead and own WD Capital, the company's corporate venture capital (CVC) arm. This individual will serve as the primary owner of WD Capital's strategy and execution: managing and adding value to the existing investment portfolio, building a thesis-driven pipeline of early-stage, strategically relevant companies, and leading the full investment lifecycle across sourcing, diligence, structuring, negotiation, closing, and ongoing portfolio governance.

The role requires a rare combination of venture investing experience, technical depth, and the credibility to operate as a trusted partner to business and technical leaders, as well as the executive team.
• Portfolio Ownership & Management:
Own the existing WD Capital portfolio end-to-end; monitor performance, support portfolio companies, manage board/observer seats, evaluate follow-on investment decisions, and drive exit and liquidity outcomes.
• Pipeline Development:
Build and continuously refresh a thesis-driven pipeline of early-stage companies aligned to Western Digital's strategic and technology priorities.
• Investment Thesis Development:
Partner with business leaders, CTO’s office, and Corporate Strategy to develop, test, and evolve investment theses that create strategic value for Western Digital.
• Deal Leadership (Soup-to-Nuts):
Personally lead sourcing, screening, due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, negotiation, and closing for all new investment opportunities.
• Executive & Investment Committee Engagement:
Prepare and present investment recommendations, portfolio reviews, and market insights to the Investment Committee and executive leadership.
• Ecosystem & Relationship Building:
Cultivate a strong network across the venture ecosystem (investors, institutional VCs, founders, and accelerators) to ensure strong deal flow and syndicate access.
• Program Strategy & Governance:
Define and evolve WD Capital's investment strategy, governance framework, and operating processes; establish WD Capital as a best-in-class CVC program.
• Market & Technology Intelligence:
Track startup, technology, and competitive landscape trends relevant to Western Digital's markets and translate them into actionable investment and strategic insights.
• Cross-Functional Partnership:
Work closely with Legal, Finance, Corporate Strategy, and Business leadership to align investments with corporate objectives and ensure disciplined execution.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline required (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field).
• 12+ years of relevant experience spanning venture capital and/or corporate venture capital, with direct experience having led or built a corporate venture capital program or fund.
• Prior experience working within an institutional venture capital fund (e.g., as an investor progressing through Associate, Principal, or Partner-track roles).
• Demonstrated track record independently…