Western Digital Elects New Chairman

Western Digital announced yesterday that its Board of Directors has elected Matthew E. Massengill chairman. Massengill, 40, has been with the California-based manufacturer of storage solutions for 16 years, and has been president and chief executive officer since December 1999. He retains those titles and responsibilities.

Thomas E. Pardun, who has served as chairman for two years, will continue as a member of the Western Digital Board of Directors.

“Matt has proven that the board’s confidence in him was well placed,” said Pardun. “He has established superb relationships on a personal level with WD’s major clients and suppliers, and is already recognized as one of the leaders of our industry. Inside the Company, he has demonstrated great ability as a team-builder.”

Massengill joined Western Digital in 1985 as a product engineer. He held various engineering and marketing positions and was named vice president of marketing for the Company’s Personal Storage Division in 1994.