Strategist Robison to leave HP

Hewlett-Packard's chief strategy officer, Shane Robison, is stepping down, one of the first major departures from the technology giant under new chief executive Meg Whitman.

The 57-year-old, who has been with HP for 11 years, will retire effective from November 1, the company said.

Mr Robison also was chief technology officer and a member of the company's executive council.

HP said he was instrumental in steering the company's multibillion-dollar research and development spending and has guided many of the company's largest acquisitions.

HP said his role will not continue. Ms Whitman called Mr Robison a "powerful innovator" who had a "passion for research and development", in a statement.

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