Joseph Kava

Mr. Kava is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in the commercial data center and semiconductor industries. As Vice President of Data Centers at Google, he has overseen site selection, design, construction management, operations, power purchasing, engineering, facility and hardware applications, environmental health and safety, and sustainability of Google’s global fleet of data centers. Throughout his tenure at Google, Joe has focused on internalizing and operationalizing the company’s globally distributed data centers which are considered some of the most advanced, efficient, and sustainable in the business. Prior to joining Google in 2008, Joe spent almost 15 years in both commercial data centers and the semiconductor industry, serving in both leadership and technical roles in operations, design, construction, new product introduction, and business development.

Mr. Kava received a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and holds four U.S. patents for his work in reactive ion and plasma etch technology. 

Key Skills and Experience: 

• Data Center and Semiconductor Expertise: Mr. Kava has over 30 years’ experience serving in leadership, operational, and technical roles within the commercial data center and semiconductor industries. Throughout his career, Mr. Kava gained extensive experience with facility design, construction, and operations, as well as new product introductions and sustainability. 
• Global Operations: Acquired extensive experience with global operations through numerous executive and senior leadership roles at multinational companies with a proven track record of success in streamlining operations and maximizing productivity. At Google, Mr. Kava led an effort to internalize and operationalize the company’s globally distributed data centers which are considered some of the most advanced, efficient, and sustainable in the business today.
• Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability: As VP of Data Centers at Google, Mr. Kava is responsible for the environmental health, safety, and sustainability of the company’s global fleet of data centers and is a staunch advocate for building sustainable data centers.

Career Highlights: 

• Google 
  • Vice President, Data Centers (since 2008)
• RagingWire Enterprise Solutions
  • Chief Operating Officer (2006-2008)
• Applied Materials
  • Managing Director, Global Operations, eBusiness Solutions (2003-2006)
  • Managing Director, Business Management, Etch Product Group (2002-2003)
  • Senior Director, Head, Service Operations, Etch Product Group (2000-2002)
  • Director, Field Operations and Product Support, Etch Product Group (1998-2000)
  • Engineering Manager, Etch Product Group (1996–1998)
  • Engineering Supervisor, Etch Product Group (1994–1996)
  • Process Engineer, Etch Product Group (1992–1994)
• LSI Logic
  • Process Engineer, Etch Engineering Group (1991-1992)

Private Company Directorships and Other Organizations:

• The Sean Brock Foundation (since 2014)
• The Tech Interactive (since 2012)