HDS UK and Ireland boss prepares to join HP

Former HDS UK head Steve Murphy confirms he is joining IT giant

HDS’ former UK and Ireland vice president Steve Murphy has confirmed he is due to start at HP in April.

Murphy has held the role at HDS since 2007, but from 1 April will start as vice president of sales for the UK and Ireland at HP.

He is currently on gardening leave after leaving HDS earlier this week, and is planning a number of triathlons to raise money for charity.

Speaking to CRN, Murphy said: “I have had four fantastic years at HDS, the team there have turned it into an excellent place to work with some excellent technology and a great group of people.

“HDS was great when I told them I was leaving and tried a number of things to get me to stay, but HP is a bigger company and a fantastic opportunity and when the time is right to do something else, you have to go with it.

“I will use these few weeks I have on gardening leave to catch up with a number of things, but am also planning a few triathlons and will be training for those,” he said.

In a statement Michael Vaeth, senior vice president and EMEA general manager at HDS said: "Steve has been with us for four years and has made a very positive contribution to our growth and success, but it is normal that people move on after a while and seek new challenges. We wish Steve well."

Vaeth confirmed that due to Murphy's strengthening of the management team, existing chief technology director Tony Reid will assume his resonsibilities with immediate effect.

"Customers and partners will see business as usual with no change in direction or service," he added.