HP’s next CEO loves confrontation

In the new year, HP will be led by Emma Walmsley, who was named CEO after a nine-month search. Prior to her role at HP, Walmsley served as CEO of drug company GSK, where she successfully turned around the company's finances and spun off its consumer healthcare business into a new entity, Haleon. Walmsley is known for her confrontational approach in the boardroom, as opposed to relying on yes-men.

HP is seeking a change due to declining revenue from printing and increasing PC prices driven by AI-driven demand for components. Walmsley will replace interim CEO Bruce Broussard, who took over in February when former CEO Enrique Lores left to become president and CEO at PayPal. Broussard will become chair of HP's board, succeeding Chip Bergh, who will remain a board member.

Although Walmsley has served on Microsoft's board for seven years, this will be her first leadership role in the tech industry. Her extensive 16-year tenure at GSK, including over eight years as CEO, and 17 years at L'Oréal were highlighted during the executive search process. Walmsley emphasized her people-first leadership approach in a LinkedIn post, stating her excitement to build upon HP's innovation heritage, inspiring purpose, and potential for growth as AI reshapes technology and customer needs.

Broussard praised Walmsley's proven ability to lead organizations at scale and navigate significant change. He added that Walmsley possesses the skills necessary to unite HP's businesses, capabilities, and people to capitalize on the opportunities that AI brings, transforming how we work and live in an increasingly connected world.