CEO Outlook 2019: 5 Questions For HP CEO Dion Weisler

Weisler On 2019

HP CEO Dion Weisler told CRN that his company is looking to help customers more securely navigate the increasingly digital world in 2019.

“Along with the need to digitally transform comes increasing concerns about security,” Weisler said. “Customers are producing and consuming an increasing amount of valuable data, making devices at the edge vulnerable and attractive targets for security breaches.”

In 2019, Weisler said HP’s biggest investments will be in tools, analytics and automation to “help reduce complexity and simplify our systems and processes,” Weisler said. “We are committed to improving our operational excellence and driving profitable growth for our channel.”

Here are Weisler's predictions for 2019 for both HP and its channel partners.

What's the biggest market opportunity you and your channel partners will tackle together in 2019?

The world we live in is rapidly changing. Our personal and professional lives are blending, security threats continue to rise, and services and on-demand business models are reshaping how we live and work. But for HP and our partners, these changes unlock a world of opportunity. By understanding these important trends, we can innovate with purpose and engineer experiences that amaze. Today we have built our strongest portfolio in history and have the best partner community in the industry. We are leaders in security with the most secure printers and personal systems in the world and an ecosystem of experienced partners. In services we have built our expertise with the channel in Managed Print Services and Device-as-a-Service which we will continue to invest in. Together we have an opportunity in 2019 to move even faster, embrace change and help our mutual customers win in the new digital era.

What are the biggest technology investments you are making in 2019?

At HP we are on a journey to reinvent ourselves, our brand, our products, and our partnerships. While I'm proud of our progress, I know there is still much more we can do. We must continue to play our own game and never be complacent. We want to make it easier for our partners and customers to do business with HP. This is why our biggest investment in 2019 will be on tools, analytics and automation that help reduce complexity and simplify our systems and processes. We are committed to improving our operational excellence and driving profitable growth for our channel. There will always be room to do better and provide our customers and partners with greater value. It's this spirit and determination that drives us to keep reinventing.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing customers in 2019?

Navigating the increasingly digital world will continue to be one of the biggest challenges for customers in 2019 and beyond. Along with the need to digitally transform comes increasing concerns about security. Customers are producing and consuming an increasing amount of valuable data, making devices at the edge vulnerable and attractive targets for security breaches. In this increasing complex world, the channel has never been more important. Together with our partners we are simplifying the complex with seamless experiences our customers expect and the built-in security they need.

What is key to success for your channel partners in 2019?

2019 will mark the 80th anniversary of the Hewlett-Packard Company and the beginning of our incredible story. Our company was built with channel partners and our commitment to them has never been stronger. Together, we have delivered amazing innovations and helped shape the world -- 2018 was no exception. We achieved results no one thought possible, and I couldn't be prouder. But success today is never a guarantee for the future. In 2019 we will continue to face industry risks, challenges and market headwinds -- that's just business. To win, HP and our partners must leverage these changes to create new opportunities for growth. By listening to our mutual customers, leveraging their insights, and collaborating on outcomes, we will build stronger businesses and create new successes. We are always stronger when we work together. I can't wait to see what we achieve together in 2019 and beyond.

Fill in the blank: 2019 Will Be The Year Of...

The world is currently dealing with difficult challenges like inequality, climate change, increasing political divisions and an overall lack of trust. This is why 2019 will be the year of making a sustainable impact on our planet, people and community. Today, customers want to buy from companies they believe will do the right thing. I believe success in 2019 will be built by companies that champion values and advance important causes. For 80 years, HP has been a purpose-driven brand that stands for more than just the products we make. As I look to the coming year and next step of our journey with our partners, you can expect us to continue to raise the bar. Together we can create a positive impact and deliver on our vision to make life better for everyone, everywhere.