HP Inc. has appointed Emma Walmsley as chief executive officer as the company looks to artificial intelligence (AI) to create new business opportunities and change how people work. Her appointment takes effect Jan. 4, 2027.
Walmsley, the former CEO of GSK and a member of Microsoft’s Board of Directors for seven years, will succeed Bruce Broussard, who has served as interim chief executive officer since February 2026. He will become chair of the Board on the same date, succeeding Chip Bergh.
“HP is an iconic company with a defining role in shaping the future of work on a global scale,” said Walmsley. “I’m excited to join the team and, together, move forward with clarity and conviction. 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.”
HP’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment following a global search. The company linked its choice to the opportunities from AI moving to the edge, which means processing data closer to where it is used, including on devices.
“Emma is a proven CEO with a track record of leading organizations at scale and guiding them through significant change,” said Broussard. “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.”
The announcement outlined AI as a business priority but did not detail new products or a timetable for their release.
Walmsley led GSK from April 2017 through December 2025. During her tenure, she led changes at the global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on specialty medicines and vaccines, strengthening research and development, and overseeing the separation of its consumer healthcare business.
She joined GSK in 2010 and became CEO of GSK Consumer Healthcare in 2015 before being appointed Group CEO. Earlier, she spent 17 years at L’Oréal building and leading major global consumer businesses.
Chip Bergh, chair of the Board, said the search considered HP’s future business needs and Walmsley’s leadership experience across industries.
Bergh has served as Chair since 2017 and as a director since 2015. He will remain chair until Broussard assumes the role on Jan. 4, 2027.