HP has announced the appointment of Shannon Harris as its new managing director for HP New Zealand, effective February 3. Harris succeeds Oliver Hill, who left HP in October 2024 to take on the role of country president at Schneider Electric.

With 25 years of experience in the technology sector, Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She was most recently the managing director and technology leader at IBM New Zealand, where she spent nearly two-and-a-half years leading the company's operations in the region. Prior to her time at IBM, Harris held senior positions at Spark, a major telecommunications company in New Zealand, further expanding her leadership experience in the tech industry.

In her new role at HP, Harris will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations across New Zealand. She is set to guide HP New Zealand’s strategy and growth, with a focus on driving meaningful impact through technology solutions that empower businesses and individuals. One of her main priorities will be to enable HP’s partners and team to deliver innovative solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Brad Pulford, managing director of HP Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), expressed his confidence in Harris’ leadership, highlighting her dedication to people and partnerships. “Shannon is a leader who genuinely values people and partnerships,” Pulford said. “Her deep industry expertise and commitment to innovation make her the ideal person to take HP New Zealand to new heights.”

Harris herself is excited to take on the challenge, particularly as new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) continue to reshape the future of work. “AI, innovation, and the future of work are reshaping what’s possible,” Harris said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to lead a talented team and partners to deliver meaningful outcomes. The potential for technology to make a positive difference in people’s lives has never been greater, and I look forward to driving HP New Zealand’s vision forward.”

As managing director, Harris will play a pivotal role in aligning HP New Zealand’s objectives with the broader global strategy of the company. She will focus on ensuring that HP continues to offer cutting-edge solutions and services to its customers, especially in an era where digital transformation is top of mind for many businesses.

HP has been at the forefront of providing innovative technology solutions across the world, and Harris’ leadership will be instrumental in expanding its reach and capabilities in New Zealand. Her extensive background in the tech sector, coupled with her experience in both large multinational corporations and local markets, positions her well to drive HP’s mission of making technology accessible and impactful for businesses and consumers alike.

The appointment marks an exciting new chapter for HP New Zealand as it continues to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. With Harris at the helm, the company is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the region, while continuing to deliver innovative products and services that meet the needs of a dynamic, ever-changing market.