End of an Apotheker era, HP installs Whitman as CEO

CONFUSED PC MAKER HP has removed controversial CEO Leo Apotheker from his desk and replaced him with Meg Whitman.

Only in the last few days has it been suggested that Whitman could take over Apotheker's seat. Before then Apotheker was still cancelling product lines, considering shutting entire businesses, and taking names.

Apotheker's tenure could never be described as glorious, but we can certainly call it patchy. He oversaw the Autonomy deal and made the sorts of announcements about HP's businesses that are normally made by people with megaphones and placards.

HP announced today that Whitman will take over as president and CEO, and will apparently have the backing of Ray Lane, who turns from non-executive chairman to executive chairman of the board.

"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."

"I am honored and excited to lead HP. I believe HP matters - it matters to Silicon Valley, California, the country and the world," said Whitman.

Lane suggested that Apotheker did not have quite the right skills needed to manage HP and praised the incoming CEO for her ability to communicate and lead people - which might say more about Apotheker than it does Whitman.

"We very much appreciate Leo's efforts and his service to HP since his appointment last year," said Lane.

"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 performance." µ