国际英语新闻：HP names ex-software exec as new CEO, president

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Hewlett-Packard Co. on Thursday announced ex-CEO of business software maker SAP Leo Apotheker as the company's new Chief Executive Officer and president of the board of directors.

Apotheker, 57, resigned from SAP in February after sales and profit slumped. He was criticized by customers and shareholders as being ineffective at countering challenges from other companies. His appointment at HP will take effect from Nov. 1.

HP's ex-CEO Mark Hurd resigned on Aug. 6 following an investigation into claims of sexual harassment brought up by a former HP contractor. According to statistics, the HP stock has lost 9 percent of its value since Hurd's resignation.

"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 Robert Ryan, lead independent director of the Board, said in a press release.

"I am deeply honored to be joining the more than 300,000 dedicated HP employees," Apotheker said in the press release. "As we move forward, HP will continue to be a valued partner with our customers as well as a fierce competitor. I look forward to working with the outstanding people at HP to write the next chapter in the company's long and proud history."