HP Inc. is turning to a former pharmaceutical industry leader to steer its next phase of growth, appointing Emma Walmsley, former chief executive of GSK, as its new CEO from 4 January 2027.
Walmsley will take over from Bruce Broussard, who has been leading the technology company on an interim basis since February 2026.
Broussard, in turn, will move into the role of board chair, succeeding Chip Bergh, who has held the position since 2017, the company announced.
Internal leadership shuffle:
Emma Walmsley: Appointed HP's CEO, effective 4 January 2027.
Bruce Broussard: Will move from interim CEO to board chair.
Chip Bergh: Will step down as chair after holding the position since 2017.
The leadership transition comes at a time when AI is reshaping the technology landscape and changing how businesses operate, collaborate and approach the future of work.
Walmsley's leadership move
Walmsley brings nearly nine years of experience as GSK's chief executive, a position she held from April 2017 to December 2025.
During her tenure, she led a major transformation of the biopharmaceutical company, sharpening its focus on specialty medicines and vaccines, strengthening its research and development pipeline and improving its financial position.
Her association with GSK began in 2010, and she went on to lead GSK Consumer Healthcare in 2015 before taking charge of the wider group.
Before joining the pharmaceutical business, she spent 17 years at L’Oréal, building and leading major global consumer businesses.
She also brings experience from the technology sector through her seven-year tenure on Microsoft's board of directors.
For Walmsley, the move marks a new leadership chapter at a company seeking to capitalise on the opportunities emerging from AI.
“HP is an iconic company with a defining role in shaping the future of work on a global scale. I’m excited to join the team and, together, move forward with clarity and conviction,” Walmsley said.
“We will focus on harnessing the power of the AI era and putting HP’s creativity and innovation to work to unlock new sources of growth and deliver lasting value for our customers, shareholders, partners and people,” she added.
HP looks to put AI at the centre of its next growth phase
Walmsley's appointment comes as HP looks to build on its innovation capabilities and capture opportunities arising from the growing adoption of AI across computing and workplace technology.
Broussard said her experience in leading large organisations through significant transformation made her well suited to guide HP through its next phase of development.
“HP has tremendous potential at an important inflection point in technology, and we need a leader who can build on our innovation heritage and strengths to boldly shape the company’s future. Emma is a proven CEO with a track record of leading organizations at scale and guiding them through significant change.”
She has the experience and skills to bring HP’s businesses, capabilities and people together to capture the opportunities ahead as AI moves to the edge, transforming how we work and live in a more connected world. I look forward to supporting her as she leads HP into its next phase of growth,” said Broussard.
Bergh said the appointment followed a comprehensive global search, during which Walmsley stood out for her leadership across industries, strategic thinking and ability to turn customer insights into business growth.
He also highlighted her people-first approach to leadership, particularly her ability to bring teams together around shared priorities, execution and long-term value creation.
Broussard to take the chair as Bergh steps down
The transition will also bring a change at the board level, with Broussard set to become chair on 4 January 2027. Bergh, who joined HP's board in 2015 and became chair in 2017, will step down after nine years in the role.
Broussard acknowledged Bergh's contribution to the company and his role in guiding HP through a period of significant change.
“I also want to thank Bruce for his strong leadership, which has enabled the Board to conduct an intentional and rigorous search leading to today’s successful outcome,” said Bergh.
It’s a privilege to hand the role of Chair to him, knowing he will provide important continuity and valuable guidance to Emma and the Board during the transition and in the years ahead,” he added.
With Walmsley preparing to take charge and Broussard moving to the boardroom, HP is entering a new leadership phase, with AI, innovation and the changing nature of work expected to shape its strategic priorities.