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HP's Next CEO: Ann Livermore?
Following Mark Hurd's surprise resignation from Hewlett-Packard, pundits are trying to figure out who will become HP's next CEO. Apparently, internal and external candidates will be considered. The VAR Guy's best guess: Now could be the time for HP to tap Ann Livermore (pictured) as CEO. Here are four reasons why Livermore comes to mind for the CEO post.
The VAR Guy
August 9, 2010
2 Min Read
HP Anne Livermore
Following Mark Hurd’s surprise resignation from Hewlett-Packard, pundits are trying to figure out who will become HP’s next CEO. Apparently, internal and external candidates will be considered. The VAR Guy’s best guess: Now could be the time for HP to tap Ann Livermore (pictured) as CEO. Here are four reasons why Livermore comes to mind for the CEO post.First, some background: In case you’ve been MIA from the high-tech industry for a few days, CEO Hurd resigned Aug. 6 after HP uncovered questionable Hurd expense reports amid a sexual harassment investigation. CFO Cathie Lesjak is interim CEO but has removed herself from consideration for the permanent post.
On the Shortlist?
So, which HP insiders are still in the running? A Reuters article points to these candidates:
Todd Bradley, executive VP of HP’s personal systems group. Silicon Alley Insider says Bradley should be the leading candidate for CEO.
Dave Donatelli, executive VP and GM, enterprise servers, storage and networking.
Vyomesh Joshi, executive VP, imaging and printing group.
Ann Livermore, executive VP of HP’s enterprise business, featuring servers, storage, services and software.
Shane Robison, executive VP and chief strategy and chief technology officer.
Livermore for President (and CEO)?
If The VAR Guy was a betting man he’d put his money on Ann Livermore. Here are four reasons why:
HP is evolving beyond hardware to increasingly focus on software and services. Livermore’s bio and background align well with that market reality.
HP’s business no longer revolves purely around PCs (Bradley) and printers (Joshi) and pure R&D (Robison).
When describing Livermore, VentureBeat notes: “The straight-talking Texan isn’t flashy, but she has gotten the job done for years.” Sounds like the type of leadership HP needs following Hurd’s personal meltdown.
Livermore was twice overlooked for the CEO post; once when Carly Fiorina was hired and a second time when Mark Hurd was recruited from NCR. The VAR Guy thinks the third time will be the charm for Livermore.
Admittedly, The VAR Guy doesn’t have any inside info related to HP’s CEO search. But our resident blogger has quietly respected Livermore’s work for more than a decade…
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