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Ex-HP CEO: Opening offices in 120 countries is "not a badge of honor"

Jun 11, 2026
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“It is not a badge of honor to be in 120 countries.” Ex-HP CEO Meg Whitman said onstage at Fortune Brainstorm Tech that global expansion is often mistaken for success. Reflecting on her time leading both HP and eBay, she said companies should focus on the markets that drive results—not simply chase a larger footprint. “Anyone who's excited about your 60th country is sadly misinformed in my view,” she said.