It is with great sadness but immense gratitude that I reflect upon the remarkable life of Arif Shakeel, who passed away on March 10th. Arif was not just a colleague of mine and of many at Western Digital, but a great leader, mentor, and friend as well.
After joining in 1985, Arif spent more than three decades shaping our company’s growth through his contributions in various roles. From Executive Vice President and General Manager to Chief Operating Officer, President, and ultimately Chief Executive Officer, Arif’s leadership profoundly shaped the trajectory of our company.
His courage and wisdom were most evident during one of the most difficult periods in the company’s history. It was Arif’s strategic clarity and unwavering belief in our abilities that guided us safely through those storms, laying the foundation upon which our company proudly stands today.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a remarkable leader whose life and work have profoundly impacted our company and each of us personally.”
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a remarkable leader whose life and work have profoundly impacted our company and each of us personally,” said Matt Massengill, who is currently a Western Digital board member and a former chairman and CEO. “Arif and I both joined Western Digital at nearly the same time in 1985. In 2000, we were both tasked with rebuilding the company back to a leadership position in the industry. Arif was always incredibly determined and focused, and he wouldn’t let the company lose, no matter what it took. Because of his tireless efforts and commitment, Western Digital was able to grow into the great company it is today. He was a brilliant executive, a close colleague, and a dear friend who always put his family at the forefront of everything he did and accomplished. We will all miss him greatly.”
Beyond his executive roles, Arif served on our board of directors from 2004 until his retirement in 2015. Upon retiring, he embraced what he often called his favorite role, that of a loving grandfather, joyfully planning family vacations and creating cherished memories.
Our thoughts are with his grandchildren, his children Novelle and Adam, and his cherished wife of many years, Maria.
