HP goes for outsider as Apotheker get top job

Technology giant Hewlett-Packard has named Leo Apotheker, the former head of German software company SAP, as its new chief executive in a surprise appointment.

The recruitment of the long-time software industry veteran and Silicon Valley outsider - who left SAP abruptly after just seven months at the helm amid a wave of customer complaints - disappointed some who were concerned about his ability to steer such a large diverse hardware and services company.

Apotheker, a multi-lingual salesman schooled in economics and international relations, succeeds Mark Hurd, who quit the US giant amid a scandal involving a female contractor.

Ray Lane, a well-known venture capitalist and former top executive at software group Oracle will fill the chairman's post that Hurd had also occupied.

The top job at HP offers a unique opportunity to lead a technology icon but comes with big challenges and expectations. Unlike in 2005, when Hurd took over an HP in disarray, Apotheker will be at the helm of a well-run company. HP said the new boss helped transform research and development at SAP and had driven expansion.

In an interview with news agency Reuters, Apotheker said he would focus on innovation and growth

The appointment of an outsider - the third straight external hire after Carly Fiorina and Hurd - surprised observers who had bet on a promotion from within.