HP has just announced that its executive vice president and chief strategy and technology officer Shane Robison will be retiring, effective Nov. 1.
Robison, an 11-year HP veteran, also served as a member of the company’s Executive Council. In his role, he was responsible for shaping HP’s corporate strategy and technology agenda. He helped lead HP’s research and development and has led many of the company’s largest merger and acquisition activities. HP also announced that it will not be replacing the role of chief strategy and technology officer.
He was one of four principal architects of HP’s merger with Compaq. Previously, Robison was senior vice president and chief technology officer of Strategy and Technology at Compaq. Prior to joining Compaq, Robison was president of Internet Technology and Development at AT&T Labs.
“Shane has been a powerful innovator for our business groups and other corporate divisions,” said Meg Whitman, HP president and chief executive officer. “His passion for research and development has ensured that innovation continues at HP.”
While he is retiring, Robison’s departure comes amidst turmoil and and transition at the company. HP just laid off some software developers and Whitman took the helm as CEO with Leo Apotheker out. Whitman apparently has an agenda and strategy to get HP back on track and perhaps this didn’t include Robison.