Gary Fazzino, the long time chief of public policy for Hewlett-Packard, is leaving to join electronics firm Applied Materials as worldwide vice president of government affairs. He starts at the end of July.

"Energy and the environment are top policy priorities for governments around the world, and Applied Materials' technology - from semiconductors to displays to solar - will be an important part of the solution, Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials, said in a statement. "Expanding relationships and engaging in dialogue with government are important for the long-term success of Applied Materials and Gary's proven ability to help shape public policy will be invaluable as we explore new markets and new lines of business."

Fazzino was named Hewlett-Packard's vice president of government and public affairs in 2000 after service in various roles at the computer company, including Northwest public affairs manager, state government affairs manager, and director of public policy in Washington. He also served as mayor of Palo Alto, Calif. from 1992 to 1993 and again from 1999 to 2000. He also was the first president of tech lobbying group, TechNet.

Fazzino will be based in Applied Material's headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., but will work closely with Bill Morin, who heads up the company's Washington D.C. lobbying efforts.