HP Taps Technology Strategist Larry Irving to Lead Global Government Affairs

HP (NYSE:HPQ) today announced that Larry Irving, one of the nation’s leading thinkers on technology and innovation, will join the company as vice president of Global Government Affairs, effective Sept. 8.

Irving, a former White House technology adviser, will oversee HP’s global government affairs team from Washington, D.C. He will be responsible for shaping public policy and building relationships worldwide with government officials, community leaders, non-governmental organizations and business partners. He will report to Michael Holston, HP executive vice president and general counsel.

Irving currently serves as chief executive officer of the Irving Information Group, a consulting firm providing strategic planning and consulting services to domestic and international telecommunications and information technology companies, non-profit organizations and foundations. He is also the founder and co-chair of the Internet Innovation Alliance, which advocates broadband Internet access for all Americans.

“Larry’s commitment to using technology to improve lives is fully aligned with HP’s corporate philosophy,” said Mark Hurd, HP chairman and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to have him lead our global team in advancing government policies that promote innovation and extend the reach of information technology.”

Widely credited with coining the term “digital divide,” Irving has broad experience in virtually all aspects of information technology. His efforts to spread the benefits of technology throughout society prompted Newsweek magazine to call him “the ‘Net’s conscience.”

“I am delighted to have someone of Larry’s caliber join our team,” said Holston. “He has a deep understanding of the many issues at the intersection of business, technology, global markets and public policy.”

Irving, 54, founded his consulting firm in 1999 after serving as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information in the Clinton administration. He was a principal architect of administration policy on issues related to the Internet, e-commerce and telecommunications. Irving also initiated and was the principal author of the Clinton administration’s three “Falling Through the Net” reports, which highlighted the scope and the consequences of inequities in access to information technology.

After President Obama’s election, Irving worked with the Obama transition team on science and tech agencies.

U.S. Representative Edward Markey (MA-7) stated, “Larry Irving is one of the nation’s most experienced and knowledgeable experts on technology policy. I have known Larry for more than 25 years. He was a trusted adviser when he worked on my staff, he did an excellent job running the NTIA during the Clinton Administration, and I have always been impressed by his firm grasp of the issues, his outstanding political peripheral vision, and his intuitive understanding of where industry trends are heading. HP is very fortunate to have Larry onboard.”

U.S. Representative Joe Barton (TX-6) stated, “I am very pleased that Larry Irving is joining HP in this capacity, and I look forward to working with him on information technology issues that come before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I have known and worked with Mr. Irving for many years. He is uniquely qualified for this important position with HP. His knowledge of IT issues and the ways of Washington, D.C., are almost unparalleled.”

Irving, a frequent media commentator on technology issues, has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northwestern University in Chicago and a law degree from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.

“I’m excited by this opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience in a new setting with the world’s leading technology company,” said Irving. “HP is constantly seeking new ways to use technology to solve problems and create opportunities. I want to be part of the policy discussion around that effort.”

About HP

HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com/.