HP's top HR executive to retire

Susan Bowick, the human-resources executive who helped blend the work force of Compaq Computer with that of Hewlett-Packard, is retiring at the end of the year.

Bowick, 55, a 26-year HP employee, has been head of human resources at HP since 1997 and reports to CEO Carly Fiorina.

"During the spinoff of Agilent Technologies from HP in 1999, she provided steady, insightful HR leadership--experience that served her well during an even bigger challenge: the integration of HP and Compaq," Fiorina said in an e-mail to HP staff. "In times of great change, Susan always has distinguished herself, making tough decisions with compassion and integrity."

HP said the search for Bowick's successor is "well under way" and it plans to announce her replacement in early December.

Bowick's retirement is the latest in a series of departures from the company. Webb McKinney, who co-led the merger integration effort with Compaq CFO Jeff Clarke, earlier this month announced his plans to retire in December.

Several other HP executives have left the company in recent weeks, including two London-based HP Services executives and former Compaq server executive Mary McDowell.

Bowick began her career at HP in 1976 as a business analyst with the company's Loveland Instrument R&D Lab in Loveland, Colo.