HP ready to merge printer and PC divisions?
updated 11:50 pm EDT, Tue September 29, 2009
Source claims company will reorganize structure
HP chief Mark Hurd is allegedly preparing to reorganize the company, with the most significant adjustment involving the printer and PC divisions merged under the same leadership, according to the Wall Street Journal. The sources, claimed to be "familiar with the situation," suggest the plan currently awaits final approval from Hurd.
The combined unit would reportedly be directed by the current PC head Todd Bradley. The executive jumped from his position at Palm four years ago, following Hurd's transition to chief executive. During Bradley's time with the computer maker, it has seen a slight increase in PC shipments despite poor market conditions. HP even took the lead in worldwide market share as Dell slid to second place.
Performance in the printer division, however, has not shown the same strength as the PC unit. Sources claim Hurd's move is directly intended to counter lackluster revenue on the printer side.
The fate of the unit's current chief, Vyomesh Joshi, remains unknown, although sources familiar with the matter suggest he may be ready to leave the company.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
Printer Division Problem
I think the problem with HP's printer business is that they actually have too many models. I know printer/copy/scan tech advances quickly, but back when HP owned the segment they only had model revisions once per year or so. I have an HP Photosmart C4130 (which I've had for 2 yrs now)...but since then, they've come out with incremental upgrades practically every 3 months! They're up to C4480 right now for what amounts to be nearly identical to my 2 yr old model. This is rapid model changeover just leads to consumer confusion IMHO. I was kinda pissed when I noticed a new model just a month after I purchased mine (which itself was still a "new" model) until I actually read the specs/technical description and there was really no upgrade at all.