Antonio Neri
| Personal details | |
| Born | Antonio Fabio Neri 1967/5/10 (age 59) 🇦🇷 Argentina |
| Nationality | 🇺🇸 American (naturalized 2012) 🇦🇷 Argentine 🇮🇹 Italian |
| Languages | Spanish, Italian, Dutch, English |
| Education | Engineering |
| Spouse | Caroline Neri (m. late 1990s) |
| Children | 2 |
| Career details | |
| Occupation | HPE President & CEO |
| Compensation | $20.06 million (2023) |
| Net worth | $23-58 million (est. 2024) |
Antonio Fabio Neri (born 10 May 1967) is an Argentine-Italian-American businessman serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the $28 billion enterprise technology company, since February 2018. Born in Argentina to Sicilian immigrant parents, Neri became HPE's first Latino CEO after rising through the ranks over 23 years from call center employee to CEO—one of the most remarkable immigrant success stories in Silicon Valley. He speaks four languages (Spanish, Italian, Dutch, English) and became a U.S. citizen with his wife Caroline in 2012.
Neri's tenure has been marked by bold strategic moves and intense controversies. He orchestrated major acquisitions including Juniper Networks ($14 billion, 2024—currently blocked by DOJ antitrust lawsuit) and pursued HPE's pivot to hybrid cloud and edge computing. However, by April 2025, activist investor Elliott Management took a $1.5 billion stake and reportedly demanded his removal, giving Elliott board seats and creating a Strategy Committee amid criticism of HPE's stock underperformance, an $3 billion inventory pricing error, and 2,500 employee layoffs (5% workforce). Despite $20 million compensation in 2023, employees received raises below inflation, fueling internal discontent.
Met his wife Caroline at HP's Amsterdam call center in 1995 where both worked—she in customer service, he as support engineer. Married late 1990s, they have two children and live in The Woodlands, Texas, where Neri plays recreational soccer. Before HP, served as engineering apprentice for Argentine Navy at age 15, repairing ships' radar and sonar systems. Studied art for nine years in Argentina and taught drawing and painting.
Early Life and Education
Born 10 May 1967 in Argentina to Italian immigrant parents, both from Sicily. Developed interest in electronics and technology as teenager. Began military education age 15, became engineering apprentice for Argentine Navy, worked on ships' radar and sonar systems. Studied engineering at Escuela Nacional de Educación Técnica and National Technological University (Argentina). Also studied art nine years, taught drawing and painting.
Career
Early Career (1995-2004)
Left Argentina to work for small IT company in Italy. Joined Hewlett-Packard (HP) customer service department Amsterdam 1995, where he met future wife Caroline. Promoted to support engineer six months later. Became education manager, call center manager, services manager for Europe. Relocated Boise, Idaho 1997 as global director HP imaging and printing services division.
Rise to Executive (2004-2018)
Moved Houston 2004 for HP PC services business. Headed technology services business 2011. Became U.S. citizen 2012 with wife Caroline. After HP split into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise 2015, remained with HPE. Replaced Meg Whitman as President and CEO February 2018, becoming HPE's first Latino chief executive and joining board of directors.
CEO Tenure (2018-Present)
Led HPE's strategic pivot to hybrid cloud, edge computing, AI infrastructure. Oversaw acquisitions including Juniper Networks ($14B, 2024). Announced 2,500 employee cuts (5% workforce) over 18 months 2024-2025. April 2025: Elliott Management took $1.5B stake, reportedly sought his removal, secured one-two board seats with Elliott appointee chairing new Strategy Committee.
Personal Life
Met wife Caroline Neri at HP's EMEA call center Amsterdam 1995, where both worked. Married late 1990s. Two children. Became U.S. citizens 2012. Lives The Woodlands, Texas. Plays recreational soccer for VS team. Purchased residence Delray Beach, Florida 2019. Speaks four languages: Spanish, Italian, Dutch, English. Maintains interest in art (studied nine years Argentina, taught drawing and painting).
Compensation
$20.06 million total compensation 2023, including $13.7 million as President/CEO/Director. Net worth estimated $23M-$58M across sources.
Controversies
Elliott Management Activist Campaign (2025)
April 2025: Elliott Management took $1.5 billion stake in HPE, reportedly sent letter to board requesting Neri's removal. Elliott has history ousting 14 CEOs since 2022 at portfolio companies. HPE signed one-year agreement giving Elliott one-two board seats, with Elliott appointee chairing new Strategy Committee overseeing company direction. Deal seen as existential threat to Neri's tenure, with Fortune noting Elliott's involvement "may still cost CEO Antonio Neri his job—or end with a breakup of the company."
Juniper Networks DOJ Antitrust Lawsuit
HPE's proposed $14 billion Juniper Networks acquisition (announced 2024) blocked by Department of Justice lawsuit January 2025. DOJ claimed merger would "stifle innovation in enterprise networking" on antitrust grounds. HPE defending deal amid regulatory scrutiny.
Layoffs and Compensation Disparity
Announced 2,500 employee cuts (5% workforce, one of largest layoffs under Neri leadership) over 18 months through layoffs and attrition, despite Neri's 2023 compensation exceeding $20 million. Employee forums report raises of 2% or less, below inflation, fueling internal resentment over compensation disparity.
Inventory Pricing Error
HPE failed to spot inventory pricing error that wiped more than $3 billion off market cap, raising questions about financial controls and management oversight.
Stock Underperformance
HPE stock lost 5.75% year-to-date through 2025, while S&P 500 gained 6% same period. Underperformance cited as rationale for Elliott Management intervention.