Aligned announces key leadership changes for growth
Aligned Data Centers has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team with four key appointments, reflecting strategic and operational priorities within the company.
Michael Morris, formerly the Executive Vice President of Design and Construction, has been promoted to Chief Development Officer. In his previous role, Morris was responsible for overseeing the development of data centre campuses, focusing on design efficiency, operational objectives, and speed-to-market goals. With nearly 15 years of experience in data centre development and construction, Morris has played a crucial role in advancing Aligned's mission to deliver scalable and sustainable data centre solutions. In his new position, he will lead the company's strategic development initiatives, emphasising expansion to meet the rising demand for robust infrastructure. Morris previously held key roles at Equinix and DPR Construction, where he gained extensive experience managing large-scale data centre projects.
Michael Welch has progressed to the role of Chief Technology Officer from his former position as Senior Vice President of Procurement and Design. Welch will be responsible for implementing new technologies and leading strategies for sustainable and efficient power generation solutions. He will also manage Aligned's go-to-market strategy for platform delivery, ensuring successful product introductions and market reach. Welch has been a part of Aligned since August 2011, contributing to various leadership positions, including Senior Director of Preconstruction and Delivery. His efforts were pivotal in launching the company's proprietary Delta3TM air-cooled and DeltaFlow liquid-cooled technologies.
Shelby Clark transitions from Vice President, People and Culture, to Chief People Officer. Clark will oversee Aligned's human resource functions, focusing on talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership strategy, and corporate culture. Her primary goal is to maximise employee potential and align workforce strategy with Aligned's strategic objectives. Clark, who joined Aligned in December 2023, initiated various programs to empower leaders and advance employee engagement, including mentorship programs and training to boost female representation in the data centre industry. Before Aligned, Clark held significant roles at First United Bank and Amdocs where she implemented human capital strategies across several regions.
Matthew Chambliss, previously the Senior Vice President, Finance, is now the Executive Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Energy. Chambliss will unite the Sales, Finance, Legal, Project Development, and Energy teams to support Aligned's growth by balancing speed-to-market, risk mitigation, and financial performance. His former role involved managing Aligned's financial activities, plans, and policies. Chambliss joined Aligned in May 2017, having previously worked in financial planning roles at Spirit Realty Capital and Roofing Supply Group, and analytical roles at Energy Future Holdings and PwC.
"Aligned is committed to fostering a culture of leadership excellence," Andrew Schaap, Chief Executive Officer of Aligned, remarked. "I am incredibly proud to see this talented group of leaders step into their expanded roles and, alongside their respective teams, continue to position Aligned as a leading data centre builder and operator in the Americas. This is a pivotal time for our company. I am confident that with our exceptional team and the industry's top talent, Aligned is poised for continued success."
