Diane Greene Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / October 15, 2024
Diane Greene Then
Diane Greene, born on June 9, 1955, in Annapolis, Maryland, is a trailblazing figure in the technology sector.
Her parents, an engineer and a teacher, likely instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and problem-solving from an early age.
Greene’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont in 1976, where she developed a strong foundation in technical principles.
Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned a master’s degree in Naval Architecture in 1978.
This advanced education not only honed her analytical skills but also set the stage for her future endeavors in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In 1987, Greene continued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she obtained a master’s degree in computer science.
It was during her time at Berkeley that she met Mendel Rosenblum, who would become her husband and co-founder of VMware, a company that revolutionized the virtualization industry.
Their partnership combined Greene’s engineering background with Rosenblum’s expertise in computer science, laying the groundwork for VMware’s groundbreaking technology that transformed how businesses manage and deploy their IT resources.
Greene’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of engineering, computer science, and entrepreneurship, showcasing her as a formidable force in shaping the tech industry.
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Diane Greene Career
Diane Greene’s early accomplishments set the tone for her dynamic and multifaceted career.
At just 19 years old, she demonstrated her competitive spirit by organizing the first Windsurfing World Championship and securing the national women’s dinghy championship in 1976.
These achievements reflect her strong leadership skills and passion for excellence. Following her triumphs in the sailing world, Greene embarked on a professional journey as a naval architect.
In this role, she designed ocean-going vessels and offshore structures, showcasing her engineering prowess.
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Her diverse career path also included overseeing engineering operations at Windsurfing International, blending her interests in both engineering and sports.
Transitioning to the tech industry, Greene leveraged her engineering background by taking on roles at prominent companies like Sybase, Tandem Computers, and Silicon Graphics.
Her career took a significant turn when she co-founded VXtreme, where she served as CEO.
VXtreme’s success led to its acquisition by Microsoft, laying the groundwork for the company’s movie player and highlighting Greene’s ability to innovate within the rapidly changing tech landscape.
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This transition into tech culminated in her co-founding VMware in 1998 alongside Mendel Rosenblum and others.
Under her leadership as CEO, VMware pioneered x86 virtualization, creating a market for mainstream virtualization solutions.
The company’s technology allowed users to run multiple operating systems concurrently, revolutionizing system management and efficiency in server utilization.
VMware’s success continued to grow, culminating in its acquisition by EMC Corporation in 2004 for $635 million.
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Greene remained at the helm, leading the company to a significant milestone: a $2 billion run rate.
In 2007, VMware’s public offering was a watershed moment, achieving a remarkable valuation of $19.1 billion, making it the largest tech IPO that year.
However, her tenure as CEO ended in 2008 when the board replaced her with Paul Maritz, a decision Greene declined to contest despite being offered a significant role within the company.
Her experience and insights into founding and scaling VMware have made her a sought-after speaker, sharing her knowledge at prestigious institutions like Stanford and on platforms like Reid Hoffman’s “Masters of Scale” podcast.
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In 2012, Greene expanded her influence by joining the Google board of directors, and in 2015, she was appointed CEO of Google Cloud after her startup Bebop was acquired.
At Google Cloud, Greene spearheaded the creation of the company’s first enterprise-capable business unit, significantly contributing to its growth.
By the time she stepped down in January 2019, Google Cloud had reached an impressive $8 billion in annualized revenue, reflecting her impactful leadership.
Following her departure, she retained a seat on Alphabet’s board until mid-2019, continuing to influence the tech industry.
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Beyond her corporate roles, Greene has demonstrated her commitment to education and governance through various board memberships.
She has served on the boards of notable organizations such as Alphabet, Intuit, Khan Academy, SAP, and Stripe, highlighting her influence across various sectors.
In 2020, she was elected chair of the MIT board of directors, further cementing her legacy as a leader in technology and education.
Greene’s multifaceted career, marked by innovation, leadership, and advocacy for education, continues to inspire future generations in the tech industry and beyond.
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Diane Greene’s Personal Life
Diane Greene’s personal life is as dynamic and accomplished as her professional career.
She met her husband, Mendel Rosenblum, during her studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Their partnership not only flourished personally but also professionally, as they co-founded VMware, a pivotal company in the tech industry.
Together, they have two children—a son and a daughter—who enrich their family life in Stanford, California.
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Greene’s upbringing in Maryland nurtured her love for outdoor activities, particularly sailing and crabbing, skills she honed during her childhood.
These interests reflect her adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for nature, providing a balance to her demanding career in technology.
Her ability to blend her professional and personal passions showcases a well-rounded individual who values both family and the outdoors, embodying a holistic approach to life and work.
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Diane Greene Now
Diane Greene, currently 69 years old, is a prominent American technology entrepreneur and executive known for her significant contributions to the tech industry.
She began her career as a naval architect, where she designed complex ocean-going vessels and offshore structures, showcasing her engineering expertise.
However, it was her transition into the tech sector that defined her career trajectory. In 1998, she co-founded VMware, where she served as CEO until 2008.
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Under her leadership, VMware revolutionized the field of virtualization, pioneering technologies that transformed how businesses managed their IT infrastructure.
The success of VMware solidified Greene’s reputation as a visionary leader in technology, culminating in its acquisition by EMC Corporation in 2004.
Following her time at VMware, Greene continued to shape the tech landscape through her roles at Google.
She joined the board of directors and later became the CEO of Google Cloud in 2015, a position she held until 2019.
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During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in establishing Google Cloud as a formidable player in the cloud computing market, significantly increasing its revenue and enterprise capabilities.
Greene’s leadership not only advanced Google Cloud’s technological offerings but also positioned the company as a key competitor in the rapidly growing cloud sector.
In recognition of her extensive contributions to technology and education, Greene was recently appointed chair of the MIT Corporation, the governing body of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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This prestigious role underscores her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.
Greene’s journey from naval architecture to leading major tech companies exemplifies her exceptional adaptability, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to advancing technology, making her a prominent figure in the industry today.
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FAQs
Diane Greene was recently appointed as chair of the MIT Corporation, the governing body of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she continues to contribute to the advancement of education and innovation.
The previous CEO of Google Cloud before Diane Greene was Thomas Kurian, who succeeded her in January 2019 after she stepped down from the role.
Diane Greene attended several prestigious institutions, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont, a master’s degree in Naval Architecture from MIT, and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.
The ex-CEO of VMware, following Diane Greene’s departure in 2008, is Paul Maritz, who took over the position after Greene was replaced by the VMware board of directors.