Cloud Computing / Software

VMware Names Karen Dykstra as CFO; Zane Rowe to Leaving Company

Karen Dykstra will take on the role as chief financial officer and executive vice president in addition to her current role as a member of the VMware Board of Directors.

Current VMware CFO and EVP Zane Rowe will be leaving the company, effective June 9, 2023.

Editorial Team
Published on: May 27, 2023

VMware, a leading enterprise software innovator, has announced the appointment of Karen Dykstra as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President (EVP). Dykstra, who is currently a member of the VMware Board of Directors, will take on the additional role of CFO. The current CFO and EVP, Zane Rowe, will be departing from the company on June 9, 2023.

Raghu Raghuram, the CEO of VMware, expressed his excitement about Dykstra assuming the CFO role, highlighting her extensive experience as a VMware board member and former CFO. Raghuram also thanked Rowe for his contributions to the company, particularly his efforts in transforming VMware to a Subscription and SaaS model.

Karen Dykstra brings a wealth of financial expertise to the CFO position, with deep knowledge of complex financial and operational issues faced by large companies. Prior to her current role on the VMware Board, Dykstra served as the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Nominating, Governance, and Related Persons Transactions Committee. She has previously held leadership positions, including CFO, at AOL, Inc., Plainfield Asset Management LLC, and Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Paul Sagan, the Lead Independent Director of VMware’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Dykstra’s ability to effectively steer the company financially, given her familiarity with VMware’s culture and operations.

In May 2022, VMware entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Broadcom Inc. The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Over the past year, VMware has achieved significant milestones, successfully launching products in collaboration with Fortune 500 customers within the cruise and commercial aviation sectors. The company’s solutions have empowered operating fleets with unparalleled connectivity service control, enabling enhanced quality of experience (QoE) for end-users.

Monish Kundra, Partner at Columbia Capital, the firm investing in ESpace Networks, expressed excitement about the opportunities presented by VMware’s solutions in the multi-cloud era. Kundra believes that ESpace Networks’ capabilities will enable customers to fully leverage the evolving satellite connectivity market, positioning VMware as a key player in this rapidly growing industry.

With these leadership changes, VMware is poised to continue its mission of helping customers navigate the multi-cloud era. Karen Dykstra’s appointment as CFO ensures a strong financial foundation, leveraging her deep understanding of VMware’s culture and operations. This move underscores VMware’s commitment to driving innovation and delivering optimal results for its customers.

As VMware moves forward, the company remains committed to its 2030 Agenda, building a better future through its multi-cloud services that empower digital innovation while maintaining enterprise control.