Another chief exec for the HP conveyor belt

How long before the comparisons to Fiorina start?

Now although I'm not a fan of the whole 'women in IT' blah blah - it is rare for a top position in such a major company to be filled by a female - so naturally it is with interest that I write about HP's latest chief Meg Whitman.

A billionaire in her own right, a 10-year career as chief executive of eBay and a promising political career running for the Governor of California position means she is a woman who knows business inside out.

HP has had a troubled run of chief executives over recent years - I have followed four of them very closely indeed, starting with Michael Capellas - who departed the vendor suddenly in 2002, succeeded by Carly Fiorina who many had said had been running the company for years anyway.

Fiorina - herself now pursuing a political career - was someone who was not popular as the HP head honcha. (that is deliberate). Her entourage was legendary, but under her leadership, the HP relationship with the channel was strained to the max.

Then Mark Hurd came along after she fell on her sword, and although he was reviled by his employees for his legendary ability to award himself humongous bonuses, yet cut costs elsewhere - it all ended in tears amid sexual harrassment allegations.

And most recently Mr Apotheker. Well, what more can possibly be said about him that hasn't already?

An ill thought out strategy sent the market into turmoil, speculation was rife about the future of PSG and HP's share price seemed set on a steady path south. Hardly a recipe for success was it? Bets were already circulating on whether he would be around for Christmas, although the speed at his departure has probably taken many by surprise.

All four of them have departed suddenly amid some crisis or other in a pattern that has spanned over a decade. It is a brave person that takes on the role with so much baggage. But it is also a chance to wipe the slate clean and make a mark.

Personally I wish Whitman all the luck in the world. She seems like someone with her head screwed on and hopefully she will realise the value of the vendor's channel partners when steering the good ship HP on its new course.

But she certainly has a challenge ahead of her and a lot of hearts and minds to win over. Will she be up to the job?

As my favourite saying goes - time will tell.