HP appoints former Apple executive Carol Surface as Chief People Officer

HP Inc. announced the appointment of Carol Surface as Chief People Officer, starting March 24. Most recently with Apple, Carol stepped down just 20 months after her appointment to the role. Carol will succeed Kristen Ludgate who announced her retirement last year after an impactful four-year tenure leading the People Organization.
She has a proven track record for building high-performance, purpose-driven teams to deliver exceptional business results.
With a career spanning some of the world’s most iconic brands, Carol brings a wealth of global experience and insight to HP. Before Apple, Carol spent a decade as Chief Human Resources Officer at Medtronic, a global healthcare technology leader, where she led transformation initiatives to drive growth, including the evolution of the HR operating model.
Her impressive journey includes senior leadership roles at Best Buy, where she was CHRO, and PepsiCo, where she was instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence. Known for her strong business acumen, Carol has a proven track record of leading operating model transformations and fostering agility in fast-moving and dynamic global environments.
“Kristen has been an invaluable partner who we will deeply miss as she embarks on her next chapter,” said Enrique Lores, HP President and CEO.
Carol earned a Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology from Central Michigan University. She is a recognized HR thought leader, having served as Vice Chair of the HR Policy Association.