HP Inc. named former GSK chief executive Emma Walmsley as its next CEO Wednesday, choosing an experienced global executive to lead the computer maker as rising component costs and rapid changes in artificial intelligence reshape the PC market.
Walmsley will take the position on January 4, 2027. She succeeds Bruce Broussard, who has served as interim CEO since February after Enrique Lores stepped down.
Broussard will become chair of HP's board on the same date, replacing Chip Bergh. HP said its directors unanimously approved Walmsley's appointment after a global search.
Walmsley led British drugmaker GSK from April 2017 through December 2025. During that period, the company separated its consumer-health business, sharpened its focus on medicines and vaccines, and reworked its research pipeline. Before joining GSK, she spent 17 years at L'Oréal.
She has also served on Microsoft's board for seven years. That experience gives her exposure to a technology company deeply involved in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, although HP's core business remains personal computers, printers and related services.
Reuters reported that Walmsley will take over as HP navigates a memory-chip shortage that has increased prices and contributed to a downturn across the computer industry. HP did not announce changes to its financial outlook with the appointment.
The leadership transition follows a period of management change at the Palo Alto, California-based company. Broussard, a former Humana chief executive, was appointed interim CEO in February to provide continuity while the board conducted its search.
HP said Walmsley will focus on growth opportunities associated with artificial intelligence moving closer to individual devices and workplaces. That strategy remains subject to customer demand, component availability and competition across the PC and enterprise-technology markets.
Walmsley's appointment is a confirmed corporate-governance change. Statements about future growth and the effect of AI on HP's business are forward-looking and may not be realized.
Sources: - HP Inc., “HP Inc. Appoints Emma Walmsley as Chief Executive Officer,” Nov. 4, 2026 - Reuters, “HP Names Former GSK Chief Emma Walmsley as CEO,” Nov. 4, 2026