HP announced in a press release Thursday that Ralph V. Whitworth, co-founder of Relational Investors LLC, will join the HP board of directors, effective immediately. The 56 year old co-founded the private investment management firm based in San Diego, California.

“We believe that Ralph will bring a constructive voice and a track record of value creation into the boardroom,” said Ray Lane, HP’s executive chairman of the board. “We look forward to benefiting from his perspective and experience.”

“I am pleased to join the HP board at this important time,” said Whitworth. “HP has an extraordinarily valuable global franchise, and I look forward to working closely with my fellow directors and HP’s management team to build shareholder value for the future.”

HP also announced that Rajiv L. Gupta has been designated as lead independent director of the HP board, effective immediately. Gupta currently serves as chairman of Avantor Performance Materials, a manufacturer of chemistries and materials. He also serves on the boards of directors of Tyco International Ltd. and The Vanguard Group, and as senior adviser to New Mountain Capital, LLC, a private equity firm.