HP PSG boss stresses channel commitment

In a letter sent to the vendor's global partners, Todd Bradley moves to reassure HP's channel that there is a future in hardware

CRN has got its hands on a letter sent by HP’s head of Personal Systems Group (PSG) to its global channel partners, reassuring them that it is committed to them and product development.

The letter, from executive vice president of PSG Todd Bradley and addressed to "Dear Valued Partner", addresses concerns that have undoubtedly been raised by HP’s channel since its shock announcement last week.

“In light of the news from HP last week, I want to take a moment to reinforce the fact that HP remains fully committed to you,” it read. “As you know, HP has one of the broadest portfolios in the technology industry. Our management and our board make decisions that we believe will deliver the greatest value to you and of course to our shareholders and employees.

“HP sees an opportunity to further improve the flexibility, innovation and responsiveness of the products and services you rely on from the PSG, which is why our board has authorised an investigation into strategic alternatives for this business.”

The letter said that although the range of what HP may choose to do is wide – from a spin-off to a sale, to retaining the business within HP – the aim is to “make PSG stronger and to continue to serve your needs uninterrupted”.

Bradley also addressed four main concerns: First that HP is “committed to customers and to honouring all warranty obligations"; second, warranties provided with PC products and services “will be honoured regardless of PSG’s future ownership status”; third, HP will “continue to deliver products, services and support that lead to increased customer satisfaction”; and finally that “HP remains committed to consumer hardware within IPG, whose strategy remains unchanged”.

Bradley stressed that PSG is a $40bn (£24bn) business, operating in more than 170 countries around the world, offering “industry-leading global and local support”.

“We manage the largest global supply chain in the PC industry and ship two PCs every second," he said. "We contribute positively to HP’s overall revenue and profit and the team we have in place is the most qualified, most dedicated team I have had the opportunity to work with.”

Most importantly, he stressed that [PSG’s] “relationships with our technology and supply chain partners have not changed. We will be relentless to ensure our technical and operational capabilities continue to improve across the board.

“The only thing that has changed is that our organisation is even more committed to earning your trust and building on our relationship,” he said. “Our future depends on how well we meet and exceed your needs.”

Bradley signed off the letter with “Thank you for your support. We will continue to work hard to earn it.”

He appears keen to stay at the helm of PSG. In an interview with CNBC, Bradley said he intends to lead the business if it is spun off, or stay at the top if HP decides to keep hold of the division.