David Hall, Founder & CEO

David Hall, founder and CEO, is the technology visionary behind Velodyne Acoustics, Inc. Hall built his first amplifier at the age of four and has been developing groundbreaking products ever since. In 1983, he introduced a revolutionary technology in subwoofer design, which served as the driving force behind the ULD-18. It incorporated a patented, accelerometer-based High Gain Servo System to control woofer cone movement. The ULD series was the first of many acclaimed subwoofer series over the past 30 years. Hall is equally comfortable writing computer code as he is at working in a machine shop.
 
Hall has continued his role as visionary, working tirelessly to bring his creative ideas to life. In addition to audio technology, he continues to pioneer the laser imaging space that many of the autonomous vehicles use today. He is currently developing self-stabilizing marine technology.
 
Hall graduated from Case Western Reserve University with B.S. in engineering. He is the father of three children and still enjoys a love for cycling and motorcycles. Hall continues to hold the world runner-up robot war championship title.

Marta Thoma Hall, President

Marta Thoma Hall has been working as President of Velodyne for the past year. She brings a passion for art and design that has been honed over the years through her many celebrated public art installations, solo fine art exhibitions, and awards. As a nationally recognized public artist, her sculptures can be viewed in cities and towns across the country. Hall has managed her own art business for thirty years and her work has taken her to New York, London, South America, and Asia.

In her role at Velodyne, Hall oversees the design and development of new products as the company expands into new markets. She looks forward to bringing her aesthetic and love of fine art to Velodyne’s celebrated and legendary audio technology.

Hall graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in fine arts. She learned extensively about economics from her father, who was a Professor of Economics at the University of Tehran.

David DeVillez, Director of Manufacturing

David DeVillez joined Velodyne as the Director of Manufacturing in January 2006. He brings over two decades of manufacturing experience 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 U.S. operations and director of operations.

In his role, DeVillez is responsible for all aspects of worldwide 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 also served six years in the U.S. Navy. He is married with two children currently resides in Morgan Hill.

Houshang Vala, Controller

Houshang Vala joined Velodyne as Controller in 1999. He brings 26 years of broad, corporate, and international accounting experience. He has held a number of controller and accounting positions with engineering and joint venture companies in the U.S., France, and Iran.

In his current role, Vala is responsible for all of Velodyne’s financial management in each of its three divisions-Audio, LiDAR, and Advanced Research. He oversees all corporate finance, tax, budgeting, and accounting functions. He also manages an internal team of support staff, as well as all banking relations.

Vala graduated from Tehran Business College in Iran with a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration and accounting. He is fluent in Persian and French and currently resides in San Jose, California with his wife and two children.