COMPUTER maker Hewlett-Packard has named Meg Whitman, the former eBay CEO and California candidate for governor, as its new CEO.

The move means that Leo Apotheker has been pushed aside after just 11 months in the role.

Whitman got the top job because there are few available people with the experience to run complex technology businesses, a source familiar with the matter said.

Apotheker is being removed because the board lost confidence in his ability to lead the company long-term.

The company formally operated a base in Whitehouse, Ipswich.