The HP CEO appointment will take effect on January 4, 2027, following a unanimous vote by the board of directors. Emma Walmsley, who previously led global biopharmaceutical firm GSK, will assume the chief executive position. She replaces Bruce Broussard, who has served as interim chief executive officer since February 2026. Broussard will transition to become chair of the board on the same date, succeeding Chip Bergh.
Executive Leadership Changes at HP
The company confirmed the leadership transition from its Palo Alto headquarters and Riyadh operations. Bruce Broussard will complete his interim tenure before taking over the chair position from Chip Bergh, who has led the board since 2017. Bergh will remain board chair until the planned January 2027 transition date.
The incoming chief executive joins HP after leading GSK from April 2017 through December 2025. During her tenure at GSK, Walmsley directed operational restructuring, separated the consumer healthcare division, and focused resources on specialty medicines and vaccines. She has also served on the board of directors at Microsoft for seven years.
“HP has tremendous potential at an important inflection point in technology, and we need a leader who can build on our heritage and strengths to shape the company’s future.”
Bruce Broussard, Interim Chief Executive Officer, HP Inc.
Background to the HP CEO appointment
The decision follows an international search process conducted by the board. Board chair Chip Bergh stated that Walmsley brought broad management experience across consumer and healthcare sectors to the hardware enterprise. Before her executive career at GSK, Walmsley worked for 17 years at consumer goods corporation L’Oréal.
Walmsley stated that her executive focus will center on emerging technologies, including AI applications running directly on endpoint devices. She noted that managing client requirements across computing segments will remain central to driving shareholder return.
Strategic Focus on Edge AI and Computing
HP operates commercial and consumer hardware businesses across more than 170 countries. The leadership transition coincides with wider shifts across personal computing, hybrid work setups, and printing systems. Device manufacturers are increasingly integrating local machine learning capabilities directly into personal computers and peripheral hardware.
Industry analysts note that personal computer shipments are adapting to modern corporate hardware refresh cycles. Consequently, executive leadership with experience in consumer supply networks and enterprise boards can assist HP during hardware product shifts.
Governance and Board Transition Ahead
Governance continuity remains a priority during the transition period. Broussard credited Bergh with nine years of board leadership centered on capital allocation and internal governance standards. With the HP CEO appointment concluded, the board will work with executive staff throughout 2026 to prepare for the formal leadership handover in January 2027.
