Mark Hurd Resigns Amid HP CEO Scandal

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Aug 7, 2021

Amid sexual harassment allegations, HP CEO Mark Hurd resigns and takes $12 million.

Mark Hurd resigns as HP CEO amid scandal. Mark Hurd violated Hewlett-Packard's conduct standards of sexual harassment. An outside contractor for HP alleges that Mark Hurd sexually harassed her.

Hurd, the chief executive of Hewlett-Packard Co. was credited with rebuilding the technology giant into the world's largest computer maker. However, he resigned abruptly Friday following accusations of sexual harassment and falsifying expense reports.

HP said an internal investigation found "numerous instances" in which Hurd submitted inaccurate expense reports meant to conceal Hurd's "close, personal relationship" with an independent contractor. The inquiry was launched after the unidentified contractor claimed she had been sexually harassed by Hurd. The company's general counsel, Michael Holston, said Hurd's behavior reflected a "profound lack of judgment" and violated HP's standards of business conduct.

However, Holston stressed that the company found no evidence of sexual harassment. "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," Mark Hurd said in a statement. The former CEO will receive a severance package of $12.2 million.