Hewlett Packard"s board of directors named CEO and president Mark Hurd as chairman, succeeding Patricia Dunn, who caused a firestorm at the company by investigating leaks to the media.
Dunn will continue to serve as chairman through the company"s Jan. 18, 2007 scheduled meeting.
In a statement, Hurd said, "I am taking action to ensure that inappropriate investigative techniques will not be employed again. They have no place in HP."
The board has been embroiled in a controversy stemming from Dunn"s decision earlier this year to investigate the source of unauthorized discussions with members of the media. In a statement, Dunn said she was proud of her accomplishments at HP but regretted the use of "inappropriate techniques" in the investigation.
In addition, HP said the Richard Hackborn was named lead independent director, effective in January.