Former Hewlett-Packard Co. chairman and CEO Carly Fiorna knows
a thing or two about the corporate world, so News Corp.'s decision to add her
to the nascent Fox Business Channel isn't surprising. After all, she oversaw
the leading U.S. computer maker, and helped engineer its largest deal ever —
a
$25 billion purchase of Compaq Computer in 2002.
After pushing for the controversial Compaq deal, Fiorna was
eventually ousted in 2005 by the board because of the combined companies'
lackluster performance. Her payday for a ticket out of HP was a hefty $21
million severance package.
Now, the former queen of HP has found a new role as a
contributor to the Fox Business Channel, which launches Monday. The channel
hasn't completely defined Fiorna's role, but she certainly has the expertise
to draw from to appeal to viewers. Fox is hoping the addition of Fiorna will
bring the new channel the attraction and name recognition it needs to compete
in the competitive broadcast business news sector, which is dominated by NBC
Universal's CNBC.
With Fiorna in the Fox talent pool, Rupert Murdoch and sidekick
Roger Ailes have made a good bet. She's flamboyant, well-spoken and obviously
knows business. And how often do you find a female former top executive who
oversaw a $25 billion deal to comment and talk about business news? — Gerald
Magpily
See
San Jose Business Journal article
See
story from ValleyWag
See
story from TVnewser blog
See TheDeal.com: Life after Carly
See
TheDeal.com: Fiornia ousted from HP
See
Dealscape entry: Fox Business Channel to launch on the cheap
Continue reading below
