Hewlett-Packard prepared to probe Hurd exit: Report

NEW YORK: Technology major Hewlett-Packard is ready to probe the circumstances surrounding the quitting of its former chief Mark Hurd as well as the board's decision to give him a generous exit package, according to a media report.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the proposed investigation is in response to a demand from a shareholder. and was disclosed in a filing in a US District Court on January 14.

"The filing, a joint action by the plaintiff, HP, and HP's board, says that the investigation will be conducted by outside lawyers and HP board members who joined the board after Hurd resigned in August," the report noted.

According to the daily, two HP board members who fit that description are new CEO Leo Apotheker and Chairman Ray Lane.

A high profile Wall Street honcho, Hurd resigned from HP in August last year, amid allegations allegations of sexual harassment and findings that he indulged in unethical business practices.

Presently, Hurd is the co-president at rival Oracle Corp. Hurd stepped down after a probe into allegations of sexual harassment made by a former female contractor of the company against him.

"The investigation determined there was no violation of HP's sexual harassment policy, but did find violations of HP's Standards of Business Conduct," the technology major had then said.