Senior Director, Head of WD Capital

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.

Function: Strategy/Planning
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level