Marinaro Left Western Digital to Find Opportunity, He Says

Edward Marinaro says he resigned this week as Western Digital’s No. 2 executive because the path to the Irvine computer company’s chief executive post seemed too long.

“I wasn’t unhappy at all,” Marinaro emphasized in a phone interview Friday from his Newport Beach home. “I’m really interested in finding a company where I can have more direct responsibility for the profitability of the business.”

Marinaro had been chief operating officer of Western Digital since November, 1986, and had held the title of executive vice president since December, 1985. Western Digital is headed by Roger W. Johnson, who holds the titles of chairman, chief executive and president.

“This was something Roger and I have been discussing for some time,” Marinaro said.

“I think Roger and I accomplished a great deal in the last four years, taking the company from $90 million” in sales in fiscal 1984 to $462 million in the year ended June 30. Some industry analysts project that Western Digital’s sales will approach $700 million in the current year.

“It’s time for me to go and do the same kind of thing with another company where I can provide the kind of leadership and get the kind of recognition I’m looking for,” Marinaro said. “My preference would be to stay in Orange County.”

Marinaro said he has no job offers at present. He said that because of his position with Western Digital, he was unable to look for other employment until he left the company.