HP Appoints Former GSK CEO Emma Walmsley as New Chief Executive to Accelerate AI Transition
HP's board unanimously approved former GSK CEO Emma Walmsley as the new chief executive, starting January 2027, to drive the company's shift toward AI-led growth.
US personal computer and printer manufacturer HP has announced the appointment of Emma Walmsley, former chief executive of British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), as its new CEO. The appointment was unanimously approved by HP's board on November 4 local time, with Walmsley set to officially take office on January 4, 2027. This leadership change is widely seen as a critical move to accelerate HP's business transformation in the artificial intelligence era.
HP had been led by interim CEO Bruce Broussard, a board member, since former CEO Enrique Lores stepped down in February. After a nine-month search, the company opted for an external leader with no prior experience in the PC or hardware industries. Walmsley spent 17 years at cosmetics company L'Oréal before joining GSK in 2010, serving as GSK's CEO from 2017 until last year. She also served on Microsoft's board of directors for seven years.
HP Board Chair Chip Burgess stated that Walmsley's cross-industry leadership, clear strategic thinking, and ability to translate customer understanding into new growth were key factors in the selection. Analysts suggest HP valued her track record at GSK, where she successfully spun off the consumer healthcare division, restructured the specialty medicines and vaccines portfolio, and improved financial health. Facing industry-wide pressure to pivot toward AI, HP needs to expand its supply of AI PCs and secure future revenue streams. Walmsley is expected to leverage her restructuring expertise to strengthen product competitiveness and drive organizational innovation.
In a statement, Walmsley said she would harness the opportunities of the AI era, combining HP's culture of creativity and innovation to discover new growth engines and deliver sustained value to customers, shareholders, and partners. Upon her start date, interim CEO Bruce Broussard will assume the role of Board Chair, while current Chair Chip Burgess will step down.