Leo Apotheker relieved as HP CEO; Meg Whitman takes the helm

HP Names Meg Whitman President 

and Chief Executive Officer 

Ray Lane appointed executive chairman; 

Léo Apotheker steps down as president, chief 

executive officer and director

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 – HP today announced that its board 

of directors has appointed Meg Whitman as president and chief 

executive officer.

In addition, Ray Lane has moved from non-executive chairman to 

executive chairman of the board of directors, and the board intends to 

appoint a lead independent director promptly. These leadership 

appointments are effective immediately and follow the decision that Léo 

Apotheker step down as president and chief executive officer and resign 

as a director of the company.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Meg Whitman’s caliber 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.”

Whitman said, “I am honored and excited to lead HP. I believe HP 

matters – it matters to Silicon Valley, California, the country and the 

world.” 

Speaking on behalf of the board, Lane said, “We very much appreciate 

Léo’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. Meg 

Whitman has the right operational and communication skills and 

leadership abilities to deliver improved execution and financial 

Editorial Contacts

Mylene Mangalindan, HP

+1 650 236 0005

[email protected]

Michael Thacker, HP

+1 650 857 2254

[email protected]

www.hp.com/go/newsroomNews Release

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performance.”

Financial analyst conference call details

HP will host an audio webcast for financial analysts and stockholders to 

discuss today’s announcement. Details are below:

When: Sept. 22, 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET

URL: www.hp.com/investor/briefing

It is recommended that attendees dial in 15 minutes early to avoid 

registration delays.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact 

on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest 

technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, 

personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure at the 

convergence of the cloud and connectivity, creating seamless, secure, 

context-aware experiences for a connected world. More information 

about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.