10 Things You Didn’t Know About Western Digital CEO Stephen Milligan
Stephen Milligan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Western Digital Corporation. He goes by Steve and he’s served in the position beginning January 2 of 2013. He’s an interesting person who keeps his personal life somewhat private. We’ve done a bit of research to learn more about him and discovered 10 things that you probably don’t know about Stephen Milligan.
1. Stephen Milligan is a master of finance
Milligan has an impressive background in finance. It began with his educational endeavors, proceeded to his certifications as a qualified professional and culminated with more than 30 years of experience as a corporate executive leader. He’s held down multiple employment positions through the years. He started at a lower position and quickly climbed the ladder in the computer and technology industry to become one of the most influential and well-paid executives.
2. Milligan is one of the highest paid executives in the industry
Stephen Milligan earns a fortune in just a single year. His salary and total compensation package for Western Digital amounts to a whopping $19,738,381. This is more than most people make in a lifetime. This was the latest salary figure that was provided for 2018.
3. He worked for Dell Inc.
Stephen Milligan worked for the Dell computer corporation. He was employed with the company from 1997 through the Fall of 2002. While working for the company he occupied several different positions related to financial and accounting roles with increases in responsibility. While he was at Dell, he learned a lot about the computer industry.
4. Stephen Milligan was an executive at Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
Before Stephen Milligan became a member of the executive leadership team at Western Digital Technologies, he was employed at Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. He served as their president as well as their chief executive officer. It was during his time of employment with this company that he assisted Hitachi in their operational and financial restructuring and reorganization which resulted in the company’s acquisition by Western Digital Technologies. This event took place early in 2012.
5. Milligan was employed at Price Waterhouse
Stephen Milligan worked as a senior manager at Price Waterhouse. He spent a total of 12 years at the company. He served as an auditor for IBM’s hard disk drive business. This gave him extensive knowledge and experience in the computer hard drive industry. This is the experience that helped him to secure his next position with the Dell, Inc. corporation, where he gained even more experience and knowledge. This job would serve as an important foundation for him professionally.
6. Milligan was in charge of international operations
Stephen Milligan has also had experience working in international aspects of corporate finance. When he was with the Dell corporation, one of his jobs was as their Corporate Assistant Controller. He also served as their northern European Finance Director, the European Controller and the Director of finance for the Americas.
7. He’s on the board of directors for Ross Stores
Stephen Milligan was appointed as a Director on the Ross Stores Board. He serves on two major corporate boards. these include Western Digital Corporation as well as for Ross Stores.
8. Stephen Milligan is a CPA
Prior to becoming an executive with Western Digital Corporation, Stephen Milligan went to Ohio State University after finishing high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1985. After this he took the Uniform CPA Examination and passed, earning his certification in
1985.
9. He’s an award-winning CPA
Steve Milligan was awarded the Elijah Watt Sells Award in November of 1985. This is a prestigious recognition which is given to candidates for Certified Public Accountants that receive the highest marks on the Uniform CPA Examination. This distinction serves as evidence of his proficiency and skills at his craft.
10. He knows how to win
Steve Milligan is an executive with vision. He has the right idea and an effective strategy for building a company that offers quality leadership. He recently explained how being the quality leaders involves taking the projects that their customers are involved in and helping them to make it better. He further offered that this is how they win, and he was referring to the company as well as the customers. Everyone wins when quality is to the fore. It’s a positive and effective philosophy.
