Former HP head becomes talking head

Former HP chief executive Carly Fiorina has joined Fox News as a contributor to its upcoming business channel.

Kevin Magee, executive vice president at News Corp-owned Fox News, said in an official statement that Fiorina would be a valuable asset to the team.

"We are proud to have her join Fox Business News as a contributor," he said. "Carly Fiorina is one of the foremost business leaders of our time."

Fiorina said in the statement that she is pleased to have the "opportunity to continue to speak out on issues of vital concern to our economy and our nation" .

Fiorina left HP in February 2005 after six years with the company, pocketing a $21m payoff.

Fox Business News is scheduled to launch on 15 October.