HP Hires Former SAP Exec as Head of PR

Undisclosed sources within Hewlett-Packard Co told Bloomberg the company hired former SAP AG executive Bill Wohl to handle communications after the resignation of their Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Mendenhall. Wohl will serve as chief communications officer at Palo Alto based HP, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Leo Apotheker, another SAP veteran. The two also worked together during their time at SAP.

Wohl’s appointment also raises the role of the head of communications within HP’s management, as he will be working directly with the CEO for the first time. The former Chief Marketing Officer would report to Chief Strategy Officer Shane Robison.

Bill Wohl has been in charge of communications for SAP co-CEO Bill McDermott. He also worked in the past for technology services company DecisionOne Corp. and firearms manufacturer Remington Arms Co.

Wohl will start working at HP on January 18th and will relocate to California, HP sources explained. While he will be taking over Mendenhall’s public relations responsibilities, he won’t also have his marketing role. Wohl confirmed he is leaving SAP, but declined to answer questions about his role at HP.

HP’s agencies include APCO Worldwide, Golin/Harris, Porter Novelli, and Weber Shandwick Worldwide.