HP just announced that Chairman, CEO and President Mark Hurd will be resigning effective immediately after discussions with the Board of Directors.
Hurd’s departure is the direct result of investigations by “outside legal counsel” and HP’s General Counsel’s Office, specifically in relation to a sexual harassment claimed by a former HP contractor. The investigation determined that there was no violation of HP’s sexual harassment policy, but found that Hurd had violated HP’s Standards of Business Conduct.
Hurd’s statement reads, in part, “[a]s the investigation progressed, I realized there were instances in which I did not live up to the standards and principles of trust, respect and integrity that I have espoused at HP and which have guided me throughout my career.” Hurd’s replacement will be determined by a Search Committee.
Mark Hurd has served as HP’s CEO since 2005, succeeding Carly Fiorna, and became Chairman after Patricia C. Dunn resigned as a result of a pretexting controversy. CFO Cathie Lesjak, a 24 year veteran of Hewlett Packard will serve as interim CEO, having sat on the Executive Council since 2007. Lesjak has removed herself from consideration for filling the role on a permanent basis already.
photo credit: jdlasica on Flickr
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