Electronics and consumable maker HP has announced that Meg Whitman has been appointed as the new president and chief executive officer for HP, replacing Leo Apotheker. The board of directors also moved Ray Lane from non-executive chairman to executive chairman of the board of directors.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Meg Whitman’s calibre and experience step up to lead HP,” said Lane. “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Meg is a technology visionary with a proven track record of execution. She is a strong communicator who is customer focused with deep leadership capabilities. Furthermore, as a member of HP’s board of directors for the past eight months, Meg has a solid understanding of our products and markets,” he continued.
Whitman added that she was ready to get started, although it is a huge responsibility. “I am honoured and excited to lead HP. I believe HP matters; it matters to Silicon Valley, California, the country and the world.”
While Apotheker was responsible for HP canning their WebOS and TouchPad tablet, Lane thanked him for his contribution. “We very much appreciate Leo’s efforts and his service to HP since his appointment last year. The board believes that the job of the HP CEO now requires additional attributes to successfully execute on the company’s strategy.”
It is suggested by CNN that Apotheker will leave HP a wealthy man, as he will walk away with $7.2 million in cash as severance and $18 million in stock.
Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor
I personally think that HP is a good company. I dont think that we can call them innovators but definitely a good player with a good sense of the reliable products. From what I remember, last time Whitman didint want to get that position, I guess she understands that there isnt anyone else.
Meg Whitman is an Old School CEO. She is at HP to steady the Ship and make the stock markets and big customers feel better about HP.
HP is like a battleship powerful but slow to turn and Capt. Whitman will make small changes to HP and not large ones.
The one thing is for sure…alll the bold consumer stuff is over.
HP needs to be more like IBM and less like Apple.