HP, IBM seen as source of new HP chief
A survey of 500 tech and finance industry executives predicts that Mark Hurd's replacement as CEO at Hewlett-Packard Co. with either be an inside candidate or one from International Business Machines Corp.
About 43 percent of respondents said the most qualified replacement for Mark Hurd would come from those two sources, according to the survey by executive search firm Cook Associates which is expected to be published on Monday .
The survey was made available early to the New York Times.
The Times reported that among individuals named for the job Todd Bradley, who runs HP's PC business, and Steve Mills, who runs IBM's software business, tied as the most likely choices.
Hurd actually tied with Ann Livermore, HP's corporate technology chief, for the next best choice, as unlikely as it is that will happen.
The former CEO resigned on August 6 in the wake of sexual harassment charges brought by former actress and HP contractor Jodie Fisher. An internal investigation cleared him of those charges but found that he hadn't lived up to the company's code of conduct.
Hurd has reportedly agreed to pay a settlement to Fisher related to her accusations.
Chief Financial Officer Cathie Lesjak, 51, is acting as CEO on an interim basis. Lesjak is a 24-year veteran of the company who has served as HP’s CFO and as a member of the company’s Executive Council since January 2007.
To read more of the Business Journal's coverage of Mark Hurd's career and sudden resignation click here.