Hewlett Packard Managing Director Leaves

Hewlett Packard Australasia Managing Director Announces Decision To Leave The Company

MELBOURNE, 8 August 2000 – Hewlett-Packard Australiasia today announced a decision by Managing Director, Bruce Thompson to leave the company, effective 31st August.

Mr Thompson leaves the company after 32 years service within Australia and overseas. Chairman and Managing Director for almost five years, Thompson was responsible for all Hewlett-Packard Company operations in Australia and New Zealand.

During Thompson’s time as MD, HP Australasia’s revenues have more than doubled from $720M to $1620M, significantly lifting the companies competitive positioning in many of its product and services businesses. Mr Thompson has also been successful in raising the profile of the company within Australia and New Zealand, with specific emphasis on improving customer satisfaction. Most recently, he has steered the company through the Agilent split and the reinvention of HP.

“Besides the consistent growth of the company, my biggest satisfaction has been from the continuing recognition of HP Australasia as a great place to work”, said Thompson.

“I’m also proud to see that HP Australasia is now widely regarded as an industry leader in Diversity Leadership Management in the workplace”.

HP’s Vice-President for the Asia Pacific, Siaou-Sze Lien acknowledged Thompson’s significant contribution to the company.

“Bruce has been a major contributor to transforming HP Australasia into the highly successful business it is today.

“He has always been a strong advocate of the IT industry within Australia and a key contributor to several industry bodies.

“HP acknowledges Bruce’s leadership in this area which has been much valued at both a regional and local level,” said Ms Lien.

Mr Thompson is an active member in the business community. He is a member of the Business Council of Australia, board member of the Australian Information Industry Association, trustee of CEDA, member of the board for the Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust. Mr Thompson has shown a particular interest in the educational aspects of the industry, and is a board member of the Victorian Education Trust and the Box Hill Institute of TAFE.

Gerry Moriarty, Telstra's Group Managing Director, Infrastructure Services and Wholesale congratulated Mr Thompson for the extensive contribution he has made to the IT&T industry, and business in Australia, generally.

"Bruce has always been an energetic ambassador for the industry and the contribution that it makes to the overall economy.

“His vision and professionalism are without doubt an asset to our industry," said Mr Moriarty.

Mr Thompson’s replacement will be announced by Ms Lien during her visit to Australia, August 23-24.

An announcement will be made to media on the New Zealand re-organisation tomorrow (9 August 2000).

Ends

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