Former GSK chief Emma Walmsley will take charge of HP Inc. in January 2027, bringing extensive global leadership experience as the technology giant prepares for its next phase of AI-led transformation.
HP Inc. has announced a major leadership transition, appointing former GSK Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley as its next CEO. The appointment signals a new chapter for the global technology company as it looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly AI-driven business environment and redefine the future of work.
The company’s Board of Directors unanimously approved Walmsley’s appointment, which will take effect on January 4, 2027. She will succeed Bruce Broussard, who has been serving as interim CEO since February 2026. Broussard will subsequently assume the position of Chair of HP’s Board, replacing Chip Bergh.
The leadership changes come at a significant time for HP, as artificial intelligence, connected devices and evolving workplace demands continue to reshape the global technology landscape.
Emma Walmsley Brings Cross-Industry Leadership Experience to HP
Walmsley joins HP with a distinguished career spanning the pharmaceutical, healthcare and consumer businesses. She is particularly recognised for her leadership at GSK, where she served as Group CEO from April 2017 through December 2025.
During her nearly nine-year tenure, she led a substantial transformation of the global biopharmaceutical company, strengthening its strategic direction and operational performance. Her leadership focused on expanding GSK’s presence in specialty medicines and vaccines, revitalising its research and development pipeline, and reinforcing its financial position.
One of the significant milestones during her tenure was the separation of GSK’s consumer healthcare business, allowing the company to sharpen its focus on biopharmaceutical innovation.
Before becoming Group CEO, Walmsley joined GSK in 2010 and went on to lead its Consumer Healthcare division in 2015. Earlier in her career, she spent 17 years at L’Oréal, building and managing major international consumer businesses.
In addition to her executive experience, Walmsley has served on Microsoft’s Board of Directors for seven years, giving her exposure to the evolving technology ecosystem and the strategic opportunities emerging around digital transformation.
HP’s AI Ambitions Take Centre Stage
Walmsley’s appointment reflects HP’s growing focus on artificial intelligence as a key driver of its future business strategy. The company is looking to leverage AI across its portfolio of personal computers, printing solutions, software, services and connected workplace technologies.
As AI increasingly moves from cloud-based platforms into everyday devices and workplace environments, HP sees significant opportunities to develop smarter products, improve productivity and create more personalised customer experiences.
The incoming CEO has already indicated that unlocking the potential of the AI era will be central to her leadership priorities.
Commenting on her appointment, Walmsley described HP as an iconic company with an important role in shaping the future of work worldwide. She highlighted the importance of combining creativity, innovation and AI capabilities to identify new growth opportunities and deliver long-term value for customers, employees, shareholders and business partners.
Her appointment also reflects HP’s ambition to bring together its technological capabilities and global business operations under leadership experienced in managing large-scale organisational transformation.
Bruce Broussard to Become HP Board Chair
Alongside the CEO appointment, HP has announced another important change in its boardroom leadership.
Bruce Broussard, who has guided the company as interim CEO since February 2026, will become Chair of the Board on January 4, 2027. He will take over from Chip Bergh, who has served as HP’s Chair since 2017 and joined its Board of Directors in 2015.
Bergh played an important role in steering HP through a period of business transformation, with an emphasis on corporate governance, capital allocation and shareholder value creation.
The transition is expected to provide continuity in leadership while allowing Walmsley to focus on HP’s operational priorities and long-term growth strategy.
The company’s board described the appointment as the outcome of a comprehensive global search, highlighting Walmsley’s cross-industry leadership experience, strategic thinking and ability to translate customer insights into business growth.
A New Leadership Chapter for HP
Walmsley’s arrival represents more than a routine executive transition. It comes at a time when established technology companies are reassessing their strategies to remain competitive in an environment shaped by AI innovation, changing customer expectations and new workplace models.
Her experience in transforming a global healthcare business, combined with her understanding of the technology sector through Microsoft’s board, gives HP a leader with experience across multiple industries.
For HP, the immediate challenge will be turning its AI ambitions into commercially meaningful products and services while maintaining its established strengths in personal computing and printing.
As she prepares to take charge in January 2027, expectations will centre on how Walmsley combines innovation, business discipline and organisational transformation to guide HP through its next phase of growth.
The appointment marks a significant leadership development for HP and places AI-driven innovation firmly at the heart of its next chapter.
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