HPE Names Wells Fargo SVP Temple As New Chief Communications Officer

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has named Jennifer Temple, a 25-year communications veteran who was most recently senior vice president of corporate communications at Wells Fargo, as its new chief communications officer.

In an internal memo announcing Temple's appointment, HPE CEO Antonio Neri called Temple a great "cultural fit" for HPE. "She understands the importance of partnership and is an advocate for building collaborative cultures," said Neri. "She has an innovative spirit, and her track record proves that she has a bias for action."

Before joining Wells Fargo in 2012, Temple was an executive vice president for Hill + Knowlton Strategies, where she worked as an advisor on "corporate reputation, executive advocacy and competitive and market positioning" for a number of Silicon Valley companies including HP and LinkedIn. "During her time with H+K, Jennifer served as the global account lead for Hewlett-Packard, so she understands our legacy, rich heritage and culture of innovation," said Neri.

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Neri said Temple–who will take the reins on July 9–will lead the global communications team as the company continues to "shape the narrative about HPE and our impact" on companies and industries powered by HPE technology. "She joins us at an exciting inflection point for our company, and she will inherit a strong communications function that has built great momentum," said Neri.

Temple replaces Henry Gomez – a key player in the transformation of HPE – who stepped down as executive vice president June 1 with his responsiblities as chief marketing officer and chief communications officer then split into two roles. Jim Jackson, HPE senior vice president of marketing, was promoted to chief marketing officer last month.

"I strongly believe that communications is a bedrock function for our company and is critical to ensuring our ongoing success," said Neri. "Therefore, Jennifer will report directly to me and global communications will become its own corporate function. Marketing and Communications will continue to partner very closely as we shape HPE’s brand and reputation, but the functions will operate separately. "

Temple joined Wells Fargo in 2012 in a newly created post to oversee executive and internal and external communications for the consumer lending business. Her role was expanded in 2015 when she took on communications oversight of the wealth and investment management business and again in 2017 when she took on responsibility for managing communications for the corporate risk and enterprise information technology organizations

Temple also previously worked as a vice president of corporate communications for Bank of America, senior director of marketing communications for Newport Beach real estate company Irvine Company and assistant press secretary for former California Governor Pete Wilson.

Neri singled out Temple's extensive expertise spanning "corporate and financial communications, media relations, employee communications, executive advocacy, product marketing, brand positioning, crisis and issues management, and public affairs."

Kelly Ireland, founder and CEO of Orange, Calif.-based CB Technologies, an HPE Platinum partner , No. 243 on the 2018 CRN Solution Provider 500, said Temple's strong communications background will be key to driving HPE's success in the future.

"Strong communications is critical to succeeding in the IT industry today especially in the channel," said Ireland. "At CB Technologies, we make sure we are driving the innovation technology discussion with our clients."

CB Technologies, in fact, will be featured at HPE Discover next week with regard to its role in innovative breakthrough solutions centered on HPE Aruba Refinery of the Future and HPE GreenLake.