Executive AI infrastructure strategist shaping scalable, high-performance platforms across enterprise, cloud, and colocation ecosystems.

David A. Chapa's Bio:

David A. Chapa is an AI infrastructure executive with over 20 years of experience defining and scaling enterprise and cloud data platforms. His work focuses on aligning AI workloads, memory-centric architectures, GPU ecosystems, and distributed infrastructure into scalable, monetizable platforms that support both training and real-time inference at global scale. He has advised Fortune 500 CTOs and CIOs on AI adoption, infrastructure investment, sovereign AI requirements, and ecosystem strategy. His expertise spans AI training pipelines, distributed data systems, high-density GPU environments, and the operational realities of modern digital infrastructure. David is recognized for connecting platform vision to execution, bridging silicon, software, and infrastructure strategy to enable durable competitive advantage in the AI era.

David A. Chapa's Experience:

  • Chief AI Strategist at Hitachi Vantara

    December 2023 - Present | Denver, CO

    Lead strategic direction for enterprise AI infrastructure initiatives across compute, memory, storage, and data orchestration layers. Contribute to portfolio positioning, ecosystem alignment, and long-term architectural viability of AI platforms. Work cross-functionally with engineering, product, field leadership, and executive teams to translate emerging AI technologies into operationally durable enterprise solutions. Focus areas include memory-centric AI architectures, data movement optimization, governance-aware AI deployment models, and scalable infrastructure strategy.

  • Advisor, Board Member at Independent

    May 2016 - Present | Castle Rock, CO

    Advise founders pursuing Series A funding on product-market fit, positioning, competitive differentiation, and infrastructure strategy.

  • Chief Technology Evangelist at Qumulo

    January 2021 - August 2022 | Castle Rock, CO

    After successfully re-launching the market and competitive intelligence organization, I was promoted to be the company's chief technical spokesperson, beginning in late 2021. Recognizing the need to address marketing gaps for sellers and SEs, I leveraged insights into the competitive landscape and my deep understanding of market trends to develop a grassroots integrated marketing strategy for the remaining year, focusing on increasing brand awareness, generating qualified leads, and creating sales opportunities. This strategy relied on a closed-loop feedback approach involving the company's customers and partners through the Slack messaging platform. My role extended support to various functions within the marketing group, including product and technical marketing, outbound communications, investor and analyst relations, campaign strategies, and even sales operations.

  • Founder, Chief Analyst at The CTE Group

    May 2016 - January 2021 | Castle Rock, CO

    Founded and led an industry analyst and advisory firm focused on enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, data protection, and emerging technologies. Advised enterprise vendors and startups across product strategy, market positioning, competitive intelligence, and go-to-market execution. Authored research, delivered executive briefings, and guided leadership teams across product management, pre-sales engineering, and sales strategy functions.

  • Senior Director, Global CTO at EMC

    May 2015 - May 2017 | Denver, CO

    Led the Global CTO organization within the Emerging Technologies Division. Represented technical strategy externally to customers, partners, and analysts while aligning internal product direction with evolving market demands. Focused on distributed systems, cloud evolution, and forward-looking platform strategy.

  • Senior Director, Technology at Seagate

    January 2013 - May 2015 | Denver, CO

    Member of the technical leadership team working closely with the CTO and R&D leadership. Developed positioning and thought leadership for enterprise storage and emerging data technologies. Represented corporate technical strategy to customers, partners, and industry analysts.

  • Chief Technology Evangelist / Senior Director at Quantum

    October 2011 - 2013 | Denver, CO

    Recruited by the CEO to elevate technical visibility and corporate positioning. Served as external voice of the Office of the CTO, driving strategic technology vision, analyst engagement, customer advisory boards, and global thought leadership initiatives. Contributed directly to key enterprise sales wins and market awareness expansion.

  • Senior Analyst and Consultant at Enterprise Strategy Group

    2010 - 2011 | Denver, CO

    Advised enterprise technology vendors on product strategy, competitive positioning, and market evolution across data protection, high availability, and disaster recovery markets. Delivered forward-looking research and executive briefings that influenced product roadmaps and go-to-market direction across the storage and data infrastructure ecosystem.

  • Director, Data Protection & Market Strategy at NetApp

    October 2008 - 2010 | Denver, CO

    Led enterprise data protection portfolio strategy and cross-functional market positioning initiatives. Worked closely with product management, field leadership, and alliance partners to drive revenue growth, competitive differentiation, and strategic messaging.

David A. Chapa's Education:

  • NetApp University

    2008 – 2010
    Concentration: Business Leadership

  • Illinois College

    1986 – 1987
    Concentration: Computer Science

  • Harper College

    1984 – 1986
    Concentration: Computer Science

David A. Chapa's Interests & Activities:

AI Infrastructure & Platform Strategy | Distributed Systems | GPU & Accelerator Ecosystems | Enterprise AI Deployment