HP names new communications head

LAS VEGAS, USA: Hewlett-Packard Co is naming a new executive to head up communications, bringing over a veteran from SAP AG.

New HP Chief Executive Leo Apotheker, who was previously CEO at SAP, named Bill Wohl to the newly created position of chief communications officer, according to a memo sent to HP employees that was obtained by Reuters.

Wohl spent nearly 12 years at SAP, where he was VP of global communications.

"One of the ways to drive our entire business forward is to articulate the value and the richness of HP, shared vision for our products and services," Apotheker said in the memo.

Apotheker also said the company is parting ways with chief marketing officer Michael Mendenhall and actively searching for someone to replace him. Mendenhall had been CMO for three years.

Wohl's arrival and Mendenhall's departure was first reported by the All Things Digital blog.

Apotheker took over as CEO in November, following the surprise departure of Mark Hurd in August. Many analysts have expected some executive departures from HP, as Apotheker puts his team in place