In addition, Richard Hackborn has been named independent lead director of the company, also effective immediately.

These appointments accelerate plans announced last week when Dunn said she would step down as chairman in January 2007 with the intention of continuing to serve as a director.

In other news, the company announced that it is seeking to take appropriate action in connection with the investigation into leaks from its boardroom. It has also appointed Bart M. Schwartz, a former US prosecutor, as counsel, to perform an independent review of investigative methods and the company’s Standards of Business Conduct processes, and to make future recommendations for implementing best practices. He will report in this assignment to Hurd and to Bob Wayman, HP chief financial officer.

At a press briefing last Friday, HP provided a detailed description of events surrounding the investigations into leaks of confidential information, as well as the probe into how those investigations were conducted.

“We have spent the past few weeks getting further clarity as to what happened in the investigation into the disclosure of unauthorised material from the board,” says Hurd. “While this process is not yet complete, it is clear that inappropriate steps were taken in conducting this work.

“I wish to apologise both personally and on behalf of HP to each of those who were affected. We believe these unacceptable measures were isolated instances that do not reflect the broader behavior and values of HP, its employees or its board. But they cannot occur here again. Our actions today are intended to ensure that they never do.”

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