HP Inc hires former GSK boss as CEO

The new HP CEO lacks tech industry experience, a risk given the PC market's current PC shipment declines and DRAM shortages.

HP Inc. has appointed Emma Walmsley, the former CEO of GSK, as its new chief executive officer. Walmsley, who spent eight years leading the pharmaceutical giant and previously held various marketing and management roles at L'Oreal, brings extensive experience from outside the technology sector. While she has no direct tech company leadership background, she has served on Microsoft's board. HP's board chair, Chip Bergh, cited Walmsley's leadership experience across industries and strategic thinking as key reasons for her selection. In the first nine months of HP's fiscal year 2026, the company reported a 10% revenue increase to $44.5 billion, primarily driven by its PC business, despite a shrinking print segment. However, the PC market faces challenges due to global shipment slumps and rising DRAM prices, with analysts forecasting a contraction in unit sales.

Walmsley's appointment signals a potential shift in strategy for HP Inc., moving away from traditional tech leadership towards a broader, multi-industry perspective. Her background in large-scale consumer goods and pharmaceuticals might bring a different approach to managing HP's complex supply chains and global operations, particularly in navigating the volatile PC market. This move could also reflect a growing trend of tech companies looking beyond their immediate sector for leadership to drive innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The market will be watching how Walmsley addresses the current headwinds in the PC sector, specifically the impact of DRAM shortages and increased prices on unit sales. Her experience with activist investors at GSK suggests she may be prepared for scrutiny if HP's performance falters. Investors and employees will be looking for clear strategies to foster growth in the PC and print segments, leverage AI advancements effectively, and ensure sustainable shareholder value amidst economic uncertainties and supply chain constraints.