Mr Apotheker previously worked for Germany’s SAP Computer maker Hewlett Packard (HP) has named Leo Apotheker, former boss of business software maker SAP, as its new chief executive and president.
He replaces Mark Hurd, who stepped down from his positions as president and CEO after an investigation into claims made against him by a former HP contractor.
HP has also named Ray Lane, of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, as non-executive chairman.
Both appointments will come into effect on 1 November, said HP.
Mr Apotheker had been with SAP since 1988 and had been their chief executive since April 2008.
He becomes the third new HP boss in a decade.
Trading in HP shares was briefly halted after the stock market closed.
When after-the-bell trading resumed, HP’s shares fell by $1.37, or 3.3%, to $40.70.
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