Western Digital (WDC) Appoints Ex-Nvidia AI Executive to Board as Shares Soar

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Manuvir Das joins Western Digital’s board effective May 26, bringing extensive AI enterprise experience.
Das previously led Nvidia’s enterprise computing division, driving enterprise AI initiatives.
His career includes leadership positions at Dell EMC and a 14-year tenure at Microsoft on Azure development.
WDC shares have skyrocketed more than 900% over 12 months, hovering near the $547 peak.
The board expansion brings total directors to nine, maintaining strong independent oversight with eight external members.

Western Digital (WDC) announced Thursday the appointment of Manuvir Das as a new board member, with his tenure beginning May 26, 2026.

Western Digital Corporation, WDC

Das arrives with impressive credentials in enterprise technology. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Enterprise Computing at Nvidia, where he spearheaded the company’s AI enterprise initiatives and was instrumental in launching the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform.

Prior to his tenure at Nvidia, Das managed Dell EMC’s unstructured data storage operations, directing the Isilon NAS and ECS Object platform divisions. His professional background also includes nearly a decade and a half at Microsoft, where he contributed significantly to Microsoft Azure’s evolution.

Currently, Das holds the position of Operating Partner within Stonepeak Partners LP’s Digital Infrastructure group, a position he assumed in April 2025.

His academic achievements include master’s and doctoral degrees in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay.

Marty Cole, Western Digital’s Chairman, emphasized Das’s strategic value: “His proven track record in helping organizations deploy AI at enterprise scale, paired with his comprehensive knowledge of data infrastructure and storage systems, will prove essential as WD advances the infrastructure enabling AI innovation,” Cole stated.

Remarkable Stock Performance

WDC has emerged as a market leader in recent performance metrics. Shares have climbed over 900% during the past year, trading around $544 on Thursday—nearly touching the 52-week peak of $547. The storage giant’s market capitalization has climbed to $183 billion.

This impressive trajectory has been driven largely by surging demand for AI infrastructure, a sector where Western Digital’s storage solutions are critically positioned.

Following Das’s appointment, Western Digital’s board composition now includes nine directors, with eight maintaining external and independent status.

Strong Business Performance

The board expansion comes on the heels of impressive fiscal third-quarter 2026 results. Western Digital delivered earnings per share of $2.72, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.36. Revenue reached $3.34 billion, exceeding the projected $3.23 billion.

Evercore ISI recently upgraded its price target for WDC to $575 from $410, reaffirming an Outperform rating. The upgrade reflects accelerating demand linked to AI applications.

Seventeen analysts have raised their earnings forecasts for the company in recent sessions.

Western Digital recently unveiled the integration of post-quantum cryptography capabilities into its Ultrastar UltraSMR hard disk drives, implementing NIST-approved quantum-resistant encryption algorithms.

The company also completed exchange agreements with institutional shareholders to acquire its own equity in return for Sandisk Corporation shares, with final settlement anticipated in May 2026.

WDC shares advanced 2.62% on Thursday, closing at $544.49.

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