HP creates 3D print unit and reshuffles execs pre-split
IT giant also mulling sale of its TippingPoint network security unit ahead of split, according to report
HP is launching a new 3D printing business and has announced a major personnel reshuffle ahead of its forthcoming split on 1 November.
Dion Weisler, who is going to run HP Inc post-split, announced the creation of the new 3D printing business in an internal memo sent to employees and seen by CRN.
"When we announced our plans to separate, we knew that 3D printing would be a key area of innovation and growth for HP Inc. Our company is positioned perfectly to take advantage of our sophisticated intellectual property and knowhow to transform industries and power the next industrial revolution," Weisler said in the memo.
The new unit will be headed by Stephen Nigro, HP's current senior vice president of Imaging and Printing.
"I have asked Stephen Nigro to turn his entire focus to 3D printing, continuing to report to me. He will focus on establishing a leadership position for HP Inc, in both the prototyping and production 3D market by delivering a strong portfolio of technology, products, and services to drive the market," Weisler said.
Following Nigro's move, Enrique Lores, HP's head of EMEA for Printing and Personal Systems, will now run the worldwide Imaging, Printing and Solutions business.
"Enrique was a logical choice to lead this business group and continue the work Stephen and his team have been driving to combine innovation with aggressive operational execution to return this business to growth," Weisler said.
Lores is set to be replaced by Nick Lazaridis, HP's senior vice president for Printing and Personal Systems in APAC, who will now run the printing business in EMEA.
The memo also announced HP's Solutions team will be moved into the Imaging and Printing business group.
"All these organisational changes will be effective as we become a new company on 1 November. In the meantime, I ask all of you to focus on delivering in our current model through the end of FY15," Weisler added.
Security moves
As well as these structural changes, it was also reported by Reuters yesterday that HP is mulling the sale of its network security unit TippingPoint.
The US giant could have the unit valued at between $200m (£131m) and $300m with interest expressed from private equity firms, the newswire reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
TippingPoint, which provides intrusion prevention systems, came into HP's portfolio in 2009 when it acquired networking company 3Com.
When approached, a representative from HP said "we decline to comment on rumour and speculation".
But HP's commitment to security was talked up yesterday with it announcing new analytic security offerings, including HP DNS Malware Analytics (DMA), "a unique solution designed to identify infected hosts".