Compaq comeback: Elliott to run HP's brand marketing, advertising

Compaq's top marketing executive has surfaced as the leader of HewlettPackard's brand and marketing communications group, which oversees all HP's advertising.

The appointment comes after the contentious $20 billion merger between HP and Compaq. Following dismissal of a civil suit against the deal earlier this month, the new HP consolidated its marketing team, making Compaq vet Gary Elliott in effect HP's No. 2 marketer.

Elliott will report to Allison Johnson, an HP vet who runs the global brand and communications group. Johnson joined HP in 1998 and formerly worked in media relations for IBM and in marketing for Netscape Communications.

Elliott is one of five vice presidents that report to Johnson, but his is the only group with advertising in its charge. Elliott said he will remain in Houston, rather than move to HP's...