HP names new head
It's Mark Hurd of automated telling firm NCR.
By Patrick Thibodeau, Matt Hamblen and Lucas Mearian, Computerworld | Computerworld UK | Published: 10:42, 30 March 2005
HP has chosen the CEO of data warehousing company NCR, Mark Hurd, as its new head following the sudden departure of Carly Fiorina last month.
Hurd, 48, will take up his new duties on 1 April. He takes over from Robert Wayman, a 36-year HP veteran who has been chief financial officer since 1984 and took over as interim CEO after Fiorina left. Wayman, 59, will remain CFO and continue to serve as a member of HP's board.
Patricia Dunn, HP's non-executive chairman, said Hurd was chosen because of his track record at NCR, as well as his strong executive and personal qualities. "Mark came to our attention because of his strong execution skills, his proven ability to lead top performing teams and his track record in driving shareholder value," she said in a statement. "He demonstrated these skills by turning around NCR. We were impressed by his emphasis on developing internal talent while reaching outside for new skills, his understanding of the role of culture in a company's success and his personal integrity. "
Hurd added: "HP is one of the world's great companies, with a proud history of innovation, outstanding talent and enviable positions in many of its product lines and services. It's a great honour to join its leadership team and have the opportunity to build on its success."
Hurd comes from a company that makes automated teller machines and retail systems, as well as data warehousing technology. But it does not have anywhere near the technology breadth of HP, whose enterprise products are found in virtually every large company.
Hurd has a reputation for making tough decisions, according to analysts. For users, more immediate concerns may involve product road maps, particularly on retiring products.
