Walmsley to HP, Seva Money's $5M seed, and new boards

This week's women-in-business news runs from a big-company CEO search to a small seed round and a grant program that saw applications jump. Each story has the fact, the why and one thing to take with you.

Emma Walmsley named HP's next CEO

HP's board unanimously appointed Emma Walmsley as CEO, effective January 4, 2027. She led GSK as CEO from April 2017 through December 2025, joined GSK in 2010, ran its consumer healthcare unit from 2015, and spent 17 years at L'Oréal before that. Bruce Broussard, interim CEO since February, becomes board Chair on the same date, succeeding Chip Bergh.

Why it matters: CIO reports the search took nine months, that this is her first time leading a tech company, and that HP faces declining printing revenue and higher PC prices from AI-driven component demand. She is known for welcoming pushback in the boardroom rather than yes-men.

The lesson: she is moving across industries. Skills in running large, regulated businesses can travel further than a job title suggests.

Ritu Soni's Seva Money raises $5M seed

London-based Seva Money closed a $5M seed round co-led by Blockwall and Revent. Pre-seed backers Seedcamp, Stride.VC and Ada Ventures are participating again. Before starting the company, founder Ritu Soni worked in product leadership at WorldRemit, Paysafe, Skrill and Lebara Money.

The company gives money transfer operators a white-labelled wallet and card for recipients, supporting fiat and stablecoins. Services are live in India and Mexico, with five more countries planned within 12 months. Seva Money claims retention is up 29% for operators. Soni says the opportunity is in what happens after money arrives. The money will fund product, partnerships and expansion.

The lesson: her earlier investors came back, and her résumé sits in the exact industry she now serves.

Two boards add women leaders

Blockchain.com appointed Lisa Nelson, a former Microsoft executive, and Luis Berruga to its board on November 9, 2026. Nelson helped start M12, Microsoft's venture arm, which backed more than 80 startups. Her other board seats include Banqer Software, Spark New Zealand and Brooks Running.

At Datavault AI, filings show Kimberly Briskey became Chair, succeeding new CEO Brett Moyer, and Teresa Gallo, CEO of NYIAX, became Chief Operating Officer. Gallo previously held senior roles at Interpublic, OpenX and AOL, and has earn-out shares tied to future performance under the NYIAX merger agreement.

The lesson: board seats often follow operating and investing track records. Serving on one board can build the case for the next.

FoundHer funds five South Australian founders

Five South Australian women founders received a combined $110,000 through the FoundHer Grant Program on November 6, 2026. Recipients were chosen from 246 applications, up 64% on last year. Karen Jones Hauser of The Good Catch won the $30,000 Elevate Grant for a washing machine microfibre filter, and Seshnie Taylor of Vocare won the Social Impact Award and a Launch Grant.

FoundHer pairs funding with business, legal, financial, IP and wellbeing expertise. The state minister said access to capital remains a barrier for many women.

The lesson: grants come with advice attached, and competition is rising, so apply early.

The lesson worth keeping

Look at what each woman this week already had before the headline: a cross-industry record, investors who backed her before, board experience, or expert help alongside money. Write down your own version of that list. It is what you can point to when you ask for a role, a round or a grant.

Quick answers

When does Emma Walmsley start at HP?

She becomes CEO on January 4, 2027. Bruce Broussard, the interim CEO, becomes board Chair that day.

Who backed Seva Money's seed round?

Blockwall and Revent co-led the $5M round, with Seedcamp, Stride.VC and Ada Ventures participating again.

How much did FoundHer give out?

Five South Australian founders received a combined $110,000, chosen from 246 applications.