The Email Hurd 'round the Org: "...We recognize that this change in leadership is unexpected news..."

The following is the complete text of the e-mail from Lesjak...:

“TO/ All HP Employees

"SUBJECT/ Organizational Announcement

"This is to advise you that Mark Hurd, Chairman and CEO of HP, has resigned from the company effective immediately. Mark’s resignation was submitted at the request of the company’s Board of Directors as a result of inappropriate behavior in which he engaged that violated HP’s Standards of Business Conduct and undermined his ability to continue to lead the company.

“At the request of the Board I have agreed to serve as interim CEO until a new, permanent CEO is hired. During this time I also will continue to perform my duties as CFO. The Board has formed a committee to undertake a search for a new CEO, and candidates from inside the company as well as outside the company will be considered. I have informed the Board, however, that I do not wish to be considered for the role of permanent CEO, and I have removed myself from being a candidate for that position.

“While this news is unexpected, HP remains in an exceptionally strong position both financially and in the marketplace. It is essential, however, that we remain focused and continue to achieve – if not exceed – our operational and financial objectives. “Because there is likely to be considerable media coverage of this announcement during the next few days, I wanted to be the first to share the facts with you.

Predictably, the Hurd Situation is Starting to Get Weird(er)

The lady in questions says there was never any sex. Yes, this is a picture of her, Jodie Fisher.

She is also sad. Sad that Mark lost his job.

Hurd leaves with 40 million - rumors are running all over the 'net - this could be either the biggest fall for that smallest oversight($20,000.) or there is much, much more to all this.

Hurd spent money on dinners/"interviews", one site actually uses the words "canoodle" and woo.

Lobster was served.

It's not Tiger Woods, and it ain't Goldman Sachs, but it is not good at all.

Never, again, should anyone ever question why I use gorgeous women on my blog.

Mark Hurd Resigns Following Sexual Harassment Investigation: HOLY CRAP!!!

Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HPQ) on Friday announced the resignation of Chairman, CEO and President Mark Hurd, effective immediately. HP CFO Cathie Lesjak has been appointed interim CEO.

According to a statement from HP, Hurd made his decision following the conclusion of a sexual harassment investigation, in which Hurd was found in violation of HP's Standards of Business Conduct, though not its sexual harassment policy. The claim of sexual harassment was brought by a former contractor to HP, whose name was not provided.

"As 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 said in a statement. "After a number of discussions with members of the board, I will move aside and the board will search for new leadership"