Western Digital names Steve Milligan replacement CEO

Western Digital has named the successor to outgoing CEO John Coyne, Steve Milligan, who will take the reigns at the hard disk manufacturer at the start of 2013.

Steve Milligan is currently the president of WD and will also be appointed to the board when he becomes CEO on 2 January 2013.

Coyne, 63, has been employed at the helm of the vendor since 2007, having spent much of his career climbing the ranks at the firm.

In the last six year Coyne has helped grow revenues and guided the firm through the major production disruptions following the Thai floods last year.  WD has now regained its position at the top of the market following the upheaval, after losing its crown to rival Seagate.

Milligan took up the role of president following over two years as CEO of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (HGST), before the acquisition of the former Hitachi hard drive division earlier this year for $3.9 billion.

Prior to roles at HGST, Milligan, 49, had been employed as WD’s chief financial officer, having previously worked for Dell and Price Waterhouse.

Tom Pardun, chairman of the board, said that the appointment of Milligan should not rock the boat at WD too much.

“We are fortunate to have another accomplished and experienced leader in Steve Milligan, ready to lead the company at this exciting time,” Pardun said. “We believe Steve’s vision and demonstrated leadership skills will serve our customers, employees and shareholders well in the years ahead.”

He added: “The strong working relationship between John and Steve will provide for an orderly transition in the months ahead.”