Keep your friends close...
Computing giant HP has announced a major executive reshuffle, which is says will more closely align its operations with the strategic changes announced in March.
But it also seems designed to give Leo Apotheker, who was appointed as CEO last October, more direct control over the enterprise side of the business, which is his strength and where the decent margins are to be found.
The biggest change is the move of Ann Livermore, who had been the head of the the enterprise side of things at HP, onto the HP board, but away from day-to-day management.
"Ann's distinguished role as a leader of our largest business, deep relationships with our most important customers, institutional knowledge of the company and its employees, and insights on the technology industry will be tremendous assets to our board of directors," said Ray Lane, non-exec chairman of the HP board.
Amid vague talk of streamlining, HP announced a couple of senior execs are leaving: chief administrative officer Pete Bocian and CIO Randy Mott. The search for a new CIO is underway, but the admin position will be eliminated.
And it doesn't look like Livermore's position will be filled either. From now on server boss Dave Donatelli, software boss Bill Veghte and sales boss Jan Zadak will report directly to the CEO. There was also talk of a renewed push in China and India.
"These businesses play a vital role in our continued growth and success, and as such, Dave, Bill and Jan will report directly to me and help drive the overall direction for HP," said Apotheker. "In our ongoing effort to accelerate our progress in executing our strategy, we will continue to make the necessary changes that streamline our operations, drive focus and agility, and position us for success."
