"On behalf of the company and the board of directors, I would like to thank Don for his distinguished service and invaluable contributions," said Dan Warmenhoven, chairman of the board of directors of NetApp. "Don has been a valuable member of the NetApp board since the company was a startup, and his business expertise, important insights, and belief in our culture have made a tremendous impact on our company. NetApp and its shareholders have benefited greatly from his counsel in his16 years on the board."
During Mr. Valentine's tenure on the board of directors, NetApp has grown from a small, private company to a global industry leader with $3.9 billion in annual revenues and more than 8,000 employees worldwide.
"It has been an incredible journey to be a part of the history of NetApp," said Don Valentine, general partner of Sequoia Capital. "I am honored to have worked with such an outstanding group of people and be a part of building a great company, which I know is poised for continued success."