Martin J. Vanderploeg, Ph.D.
Board member since 2014
Non-Executive Chair (2023 to present)
Background
Martin J. Vanderploeg has served as our Non-Executive Chair since 2023, and is a co-founder of Workiva. He served as Chief Executive Officer from 2018 to 2023, President from 2014 to 2022, and Chief Operating Officer from 2008 to 2018.
Prior to Workiva, Mr. Vanderploeg was founder and Chief Technology Officer of Engineering Animations Inc. (EAI), which he helped lead for a decade until its sale to Unigraphics Solutions, now part of Siemens USA.
He began his career in academia as a tenured professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University, where he founded and directed the Simulation and Visualization lab.
Select experience
- Three decades of experience in scaling sustainable growth at software companies
- SaaS-specific business leadership, strategy, product development, sales, and operational expertise from 15 years in Workiva’s senior leadership team
- Extensive experience in enhancing value through building and maintaining a strong corporate culture
Education and awards
Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science, Bachelor of Science – Michigan State University; Software Leader of the Year 2022 – Chief Executive Officer Today
Other board experience
- N/A