Almost two months after the scandalous departure of former chief executive Mark Hurd, Hewlett-Packard on Thursday announced that Léo Apotheker will become the company's new CEO, effective Nov. 1.

Apotheker previously served as the CEO of SAP, where he transformed R&D and technology platforms and expanded business models and customer segments, HP said. He joined SAP in 1988 and along the way has served as deputy CEO as well as president of global customer solutions and operations. He stepped down as CEO in February

Apotheker will also join the HP board of directors.

"Léo is a strategic thinker with a passion for technology, wide-reaching global experience and proven operational discipline – exactly what we were looking for in a CEO," Robert Ryan, lead independent director of the board, said in a statement. "After more than two decades in the industry, he has a strong track record of driving technological innovation, building customer relationships and developing world-class teams."

In his own statement, Apotheker said HP "has a powerful mix of businesses, products and services, one of the most innovative cultures in the industry, and an accomplished management team who have played a critical role in its success."

Apotheker takes over for Cathy Lesjak, who has served as interim CEO since Hurd's departure. She will return to her previous role as chief financial officer, a position she has held since January 2007.

Hurd resigned last month amidst a sexual harassment claim filed by an HP contractor. HP did not find him in violation of its policies regarding sexual harassment, but ultimately dismissed him over improper expense reports relating to the contractor. Hurd was subsequently hired as president of Oracle. HP sued to stop the move, citing breach of contract, but later settled.

Ray Lane, managing partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, was also selected as a new member of the HP board and designated as non-executive chairman.