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Note: Leo Apotheker, who unexpectedly resigned as CEO of SAP in February, has been named to replace Mark Hurd.
Following nearly two months of intense speculation since the sudden resignation of Mark Hurd, HP late Thursday announced the selection of former SAP head Leo Apotheker as its new CEO and president.
Apotheker himself is no stranger to sudden changes in the executive suite, having himself unexpectedly resigned as CEO of SAP in February. (For insight into Apotheker's history and what he's likely to bring to the HP job, read our Global CIO analysis, "HP CEO Apotheker Has Deep Expertise But Checkered History.")
HP characterized Apotheker's 20 years at SAP as positioning him ideally for the HP gig. "Leo is a strategic thinker with a passion for technology, wide-reaching global experience and proven operational discipline--exactly what we were looking for in a CEO," said HP board member Robert Ryan, in the press release announcing his selection.
Apotheker himself didn't provide any hints as to the direction he'd take HP, following Hurd's often-stormy tenure. "As we move forward, HP will continue to be a valued partner with our customers as well as...