Velodyne Management Team
David Hall—Founder, CEO and Chief Engineer
As Velodyne's founder, CEO and chief engineer, David Hall is the driving force behind Velodyne's vision, product direction and commitment to technological advances. Since its inception in 1983, Hall has been instrumental in establishing Velodyne as a recognized leader in subwoofer design and performance.
Hall's entrepreneurial spirit was first sparked at the age of four when he built his first amplifier. Since that time, he has consistently been on the leading edge of technology. In the late 70's, Hall built the first hand-held computerized tachometer called the Comp-u-Tach. He developed and patented the world's first high gain servo-controlled subwoofer, lowering distortion to below 1%, in 1984. He also pioneered a subwoofer that would play loud in a small box, starting with the ULD-15 and continuing with the FSR, HGS, and SPL series. Hall holds eight patents in various amplifier designs including the new Digital Drive Series, the first microprocessor-controlled, all-digital subwoofer.
Widely respected as a creative visionary, Hall is best known for his expertise in precision machining, loudspeaker design, acoustical engineering, electronics, microprocessors, real-time systems, vision-recovery technology and robotics. He has competed in several global robotic combat events such as BattleBots and Robot Wars, which is seen in over 45 countries.
Hall earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Case Western Reserve University.
Marta Thoma Hall – President and Assistant to the CEO
Marta joined Velodyne acoustics in 2011 as VP of Marketing and Sales. Recently promoted to President, Marta is active along side Bruce Hall (currently on leave and vacation) assisting David Hall.
Marta began work at Velodyne to assist David as he set about reinventing the Acoustics Division. Together they recognized that the internet was becoming a major player in the home audio and electronic business. Marta dove into a new marketing approach by redesigning the company website and building a new team of energetic personnel instilled with fresh marketing ideas.
Marta and David Hall began working collaboratively on creative projects in 2005. Recently, the two were awarded the commission for a three story suspended sculpture made of steel and colored glass for Holmes Hall, inside the University of Florida Business and Engineering Building. The sculpture called, “Cosmos Clock,” will be activated by solar cells and have kinetic movement.
Marta received her BA at UC Berkeley and learned economics from her father, Professor of Economics at the University of Tehran. Marta studied Fine Art and has been an exhibiting artist and director of her own art business for thirty years. As a nationally recognized public artist Marta designed and directed the fabrication and installation of major works of art. Hall’s art business took her to New York, London, South America, and Asia.
David DeVillez—Director of Manufacturing
David DeVillez joined Velodyne as Director of Manufacturing in January 2006. He brings over two decades of manufacturing experience, working in both the consumer electronics and semiconductor industries. He has held a variety of management and technical roles including vice president of operations, general manager of US operations and director of operations. He also served six years in the U.S. Navy.
In his role, DeVillez is responsible for world-wide manufacturing, supply chain management and distribution. Since joining Velodyne, he has overseen improved product reliability through disciplined execution, a renewed focus on maintaining the highest standard in quality control and a commitment to on-time delivery. Through innovative practices, he has reduced costs and developed efficiencies in manufacturing, sourcing, shipping and logistics.
DeVillez graduated from Cambridge University with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. He is married with two children and currently resides in Morgan Hill.
Houshang Vala—Controller
Houshang Vala became Velodyne's controller in 1999. Vala is responsible for Velodyne's financial management including corporate finance, tax, and all budgeting and accounting functions. He also manages and maintains all banking relations.
Vala has more than 26 years of broad, corporate and international accounting experience. Prior to joining Velodyne and throughout his lengthy career, he has held various controller and accounting positions with engineering and joint venture companies in the US, France and Iran.
Vala holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting from Tehran Business College in Tehran, Iran. He is fluent in Persian and French. Married for 25 years, he currently resides in San Jose, California and has two children.