HP today announced that John Schultz has been promoted to the position of executive vice president and general counsel, effective immediately. Schultz, who joined HP in 2008, will be a member of HP's executive council and report to Meg Whitman, president and chief executive officer, HP.

As general counsel, Schultz is responsible globally for all legal and compliance functions. His previous role was vice president and deputy general counsel in charge of litigation.

"Through his deep understanding of our business and his extensive knowledge of the law, John has already made significant contributions to HP," said Whitman. "I'm confident that as general counsel, John will only continue to elevate HP's standards of excellence and integrity and the performance of an already outstanding legal team."

Schultz will succeed David Healy, who has served as interim general counsel since December 2011. Healey is partner and co-chair of the Mergers and Acquisition Group at Fenwick & West LLP, a law firm that advises HP. He played an integral role in advising HP on a number of critical business issues.

"I want to thank David Healy for all of his efforts on behalf of HP," said Whitman. "David provided strong leadership during a challenging period of transition at HP. We're all grateful for his contributions."

Prior to joining HP, Schultz was a partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, a Philadelphia-based law firm. He was also previously employed at the law firms of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Latham & Watkins. He received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his Bachelor of Science from Albright College.