Leadership is rarely about the spotlight. It isn’t about following a set path—it’s about navigating through the unknown, staying grounded when things get tough, and inspiring others through actions, not just words. It’s the ability to lead with clarity and courage. It’s about showing up every day, not just with vision, but with the confidence to make tough decisions and the humility to listen when needed.
True leadership reveals itself over time—in the quiet decisions, the pivotal moments, and the way one shows up when it matters most. Helena Herrero embodies these traits of a true leader. Her career trajectory as the SVP HP Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa is shaped by the fundamentals of continual learning, self-reflection, and growth—constantly refining her leadership approach while remaining steadfast in her commitment to people and progress.
Over the years, she has experienced moments that have redefined the company’s trajectory and her own, both personally and professionally. Being part of such important milestones as the merger with Compaq, the acquisition of EDS, and most importantly, the separation of HP into two independent companies has helped provide leadership focused on making a positive and real impact on people’s lives and the day-to-day operations of businesses.
The separation of HP was a major turning point for the company’s future. Not only did it change the business structure and prepare its team for a new era of more agile, customer-focused innovation, but it brought immense growth opportunities—first in Spain and Portugal, and later in a region as diverse as Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
She expresses that, “There were also challenging times in this journey, such as the economic crisis and the pandemic, that tested us as leaders and individuals, requiring us to act with empathy, resilience, and determination.”
A Definitive Approach
Helena’s leadership philosophy is grounded in a clear conviction: Technology has the power to transform, but it is people who make the difference. That’s why she leads with a strategic vision, human connection and social responsibility.
Helena’s leadership model requires vision, adaptability, and critical thinking. It involves understanding an ever-changing global environment, anticipating trends, and leading with a long-term mindset focused on sustainability and positive impact.
It also calls for analytical rigor and a solution-oriented approach: connecting ideas, fostering innovation, and seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. At the core of Helena’s leadership is emotional intelligence. Listening, empathizing, communicating clearly, and building diverse and inclusive teams foster an environment where people can thrive.
She is a strong believer in ethical leadership. In an increasingly technology-driven world, we need leaders with solid principles who can drive people-centric digital transformation and integrate sustainability into every decision. To lead today is to combine vision and humanity. It is about inspiring, transforming and creating purposeful change.
Grounded in Values
After more than four decades in this industry, Helena Herrero understands that the only constant is change. She witnessed profound transformations—from the advent of the Internet to the rise of artificial intelligence—she understood that adapting is not optional but a permanent state of mind.
Over time, she has learned to unlearn, to surround herself with talent that challenges thinking, and to combine experience with an open and flexible mindset. Curiosity fuels her journey, purpose guides her path, and passion propels her forward. Today, more than ever, leading with impact in the technology sector means focusing on three pillars: listening, learning and leading with purpose.
Listening—because the most valuable signals for change often come from those closest to the customer, the field, and the day-to-day reality. Learning—because there is no sustainable leadership without continuous evolution. And leading with purpose—because in times of disruption, clarity of the “what for” makes all the difference.
She firmly believes in the power of people. In Helena’s perspective, true innovation happens when people integrate diverse perspectives, work collaboratively, and cultivate a culture of trust. Leading today means anticipating, knowing how to listen to what is not said, and acting with agility—without ever losing sight of people.
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
For Helena Herrero, balance isn’t about splitting time evenly—it’s about being fully present in each moment. With years of experience behind her, she has come to understand that it’s not about doing everything at once but about choosing where to focus her energy with intention.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being demands self-awareness, the courage to set healthy boundaries, and a genuine, ongoing dialogue with oneself. Helena Herrero has learned to tune in—to recognize when to push forward and when to pause. She also places deep trust in the power of strong teams. She believes that delegating isn’t a sign of stepping back—it’s an act of smart, empowered leadership.
More than anything, she values time deeply. Whether it’s with family, friends, herself, or her team, she strives to be present and intentional. While achieving this balance is never without its challenges, she makes a conscious effort to ensure every space—personal or professional—holds purpose and meaning.
Helena Herrero believes there is also a responsibility to lead by example, showing that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for leadership that is both sustainable and authentic.
Fostering Augmentations with a Vision
Helena brings her way of working to life through everything she does at HP. She explains, “At HP, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of who we are. We’re not just focused on the next big tech breakthrough; we’re driven to find real, meaningful solutions that help people, support businesses, and respond to the world’s biggest challenges. That starts with staying curious, working together, and paying close attention to what our customers and the market truly need. Innovation comes from listening. We pair that mindset with strong investment in R&D and a deep belief that sustainability isn’t separate from growth—it’s at the heart of it.”
With that being said and done, Helena Herrero further expresses, “Our purpose guides everything we do: to improve people’s lives through technology. And our goal is clear: to drive growth that is profitable, responsible, and resilient—ensuring long-term success for our company, our partners, and the communities we serve.”
She believes that diversity is the key to sustainable innovation. That’s why she promotes an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, and diverse talent becomes a powerful source of breakthrough ideas.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Helena’s goals for the future are deeply connected to HP’s purpose: to continue developing technologies that improve lives and help businesses become more efficient, sustainable, and connected to the world around them. She wants to keep driving digital transformation with a focus on responsible innovation, diverse talent, and positive social impact.
Beyond business outcomes, what truly motivates Helena is helping build a culture that inspires and empowers new generations—especially women—to lead without compromising their authenticity.
Throughout her career, Helena has received numerous prestigious accolades. Among them, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Forinvest and her recognition as Personality of the Year by Byte magazine stand out as recognition of her enduring charisma and influence.
She has also been named Executive of the Year by both Ejecutivos magazine and the Spanish Federation of Women Managers, Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs (FEDEPE), and honored as Woman Manager by the Madrid Woman’s Week Foundation.
Her commitment to excellence has further earned her the Professionalism Award from EVAP, the People Manager Award from the Spanish Association of Human Resources Directors, and the ANQUE 2018 Award from the National Association of Chemists and Chemical Engineers of Spain.
The legacy she hopes to leave is one of leading with vision, passion, and humanity. To have shown the way at critical moments, supported others in their growth, and demonstrated that it’s possible to lead a major tech company without losing sight of what matters most: people, values, and purpose.
Creating a Lasting Impression
Helena reveals, “Innovation is part of HP’s DNA.” And expresses, “Beyond developing advanced technologies, we aim to create meaningful solutions that address society’s greatest challenges and deliver real value to people and businesses.”
The company fosters a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and foresight, where innovation is driven by actively listening to the market and its customers. This is paired with ongoing investment in R&D and a holistic approach to sustainability as a growth driver.
She adds, “We believe diversity is the key to sustainable innovation. That’s why we promote an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, and diverse talent becomes a powerful source of breakthrough ideas.”
Helena articulates a clear and purposeful ideology: that purpose is the driving force behind every action. She believes in harnessing technology to enhance lives, a principle that underpins her professional journey. At HP, her mission is defined by a commitment to fostering growth that is not only profitable but also responsible and resilient—delivering long-term value for the company, its partners, and the communities she serves.
