Hurd to Speak on Leak Probe

Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ) CEO Mark Hurd today decided he could no longer ignore the widening board leak scandal, making his first public statement about the issue and scheduling a news conference for Friday to talk more.

HP said it will hold a press conference at 4:05 PM ET Friday "to discuss the actions HP is taking to address issues regarding the investigation of leaks from its boardroom." HP called the news conference after reports that Hurd may have played a role in the investigation into directors' leaking information to the press.

The news has grown worse almost by the day for HP since it disclosed Sept. 7 that it had been accused of spying on board members to find the source of leaks. (See Paranoia in Palo Alto.) Since then, it's been revealed that HP hired an outside firm to obtain reporters' phone records, and may have obtained the phone records of former CEO Carly Fiorina as well as other board members. (See HP Plots New Course and HP CEO Steps Down.)

The California Attorney General is conducting a criminal investigation, and the House of Representatives scheduled a hearing for next Thursday to look into the scandal.

Patricia Dunn will step down as chairwoman Jan. 1, but plans to stay on the board. (See HP Dumps Dunn, Appoints Hurd.)