Hewlett-Packard has confirmed that its CEO, Carly Fiorina, is still on schedule to arrive in SA for this weekend`s President`s Task Force meeting. She will not have time to visit Johannesburg, squelching rumours that she will interview candidates for the head of the local combined HP/Compaq operation.
Fiorina will attend the first President`s IT Task Force meeting in the small town of George in the Eastern Cape. She will meet with President Thabo Mbeki to discuss topics including e-commerce, research and development, and telecoms.
Fiorina is known for her e-inclusion policy, which involves using IT for social improvement in developing nations.
She topped Fortune Magazine`s 1999, 2000 and 2001 ranking of America`s top women. This time last year, she was at the pinnacle of success, but 2001 has proved a tougher year for Fiorina, with the 10% to 15% growth experienced in 2000 proving unsustainable in the market downturn.
Profits fell 89% in the second quarter, and calls were made for Fiorina`s resignation. The stock price was duly punished for HP`s optimism in these hard times, and HP`s latest dramatic stand - the purchase of competitor Compaq - has not met with market optimism. Both stocks fell on the announcement.
Despite a pessimistic reception, the deal will put Fiorina in charge of what will be the number one company worldwide in server revenue, access devices, imaging and printing. It would also rival IBM for the top spot in IT services, storage and management software.
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