Whitman Taps Former eBay Exec for Corporate Communications Head

Hewlett-Packard Co. said last week that it has tapped Henry Gomez, a 26-year communications veteran, as its new executive vice president and chief communications officer.

Gomez, who will become a member of HP’s executive council and will report to Meg Whitman, HP president and chief executive, is tasked with handling HP’s media and industry analyst relations, executive communications, employee communications, government affairs, and global social innovation and environmental sustainability.

He and Whitman are close allies with a 10-year history of working together at eBay, where Gomez served most recently as senior vice president, corporate communications and as president of its Skype unit. Gomez also was part of Whitman’s leadership team in her unsuccessful campaign in 2010 for California’s governorship.

Henry will work closely with the entire leadership team to make certain customers, partners, employees, and shareholders fully understand our vision and strategy,” said Whitman.

Gomez’s communications background also includes stints as HBO president, corporate affairs and at Hill and Knowlton in a variety of public relations and marketing communications roles.

Most recently, Gomez ran his own consulting business, providing communications counsel to clients such as H&R Block.