He is based in Sydney, which serves as the company's regional headquarters. He succeeds Richard Bailey, who recently was named vice president for HP's Imaging & Printing Group (IPG) South Pacific region.

O'Connor joined HP Financial Services, the leasing, financing and asset management services subsidiary of HP, in 2003 as regional sales director for the Asia Pacific, said HP sources.

His role includes strategic planning of business development innovations which aim to increase customer wins and ensure the best in financial services for customers throughout the Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining HP, according to company sources, O'Connor served as managing director for Finance Analysis Services of Australia, leading the company through a period of significant growth. He also was vice president and general manager for Dell's Asia-Pacific financial services joint venture with CIT, based in Singapore, and general manager of GE Capital Healthcare Financial Services for Asia Pacific, based in Sydney and Hong Kong.