HP chairwoman quits over phone leak investigation

Patricia Dunn, the chairwoman of computer and printer company Hewlett-Packard, is to quit that post next January. That is because she had ordered a controversial probe into which H-P executives were leaking information to the media. Allegedly private investigators hired by Hewlett-Packard illegally obtained home phone records of directors of the board and reporters. This is the latest upheaval to hit the computer firm. Previous CEO and chairwoman Carly Fiorina was forced out by the company’s board last year after her decision to buy rival Compaq did not bring the profits she had promised.

The current CEO, Mark Hurd, will also assume the post of chairman next January. Dunn will remain as a director. Another director, George Keyworth, who admitting passing information to reporters has resigned. The private investigators involved could face criminal charges.

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