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HP memo: We will take the necessary action

HP exec Mark Hurd reaches out to employees as the company decides how to react to this week's boardroom pretexting scandal.

CNET News staff
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CNET News staff
2 min read
On Friday, Mark Hurd, president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard and a member of its board of directors, sent the following memo to the company's employees. The memo stresses that leaking information to the media is a problem that must and will be resolved. Hurd also indicates that some recent events are "unacceptable" but the company is waiting to amass the facts before reacting.

Mark Hurd Message to Employees
September 8, 2006

Hi, before I begin, I want to be clear that I am speaking to you today as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard, not on behalf of the HP board.

I know that many of you have read the media coverage and speculation regarding the recent actions of the HP Board. My belief is that this has nothing to do with the strategy or operations of Hewlett-Packard.

Unfortunately, there has been a long history of leaking company information within the HP board that clearly needs to be resolved, and it will be resolved.

The HP Standards of Business Conduct are our foundation of ethical leadership, and encompass the basic principles that govern our ethical and legal obligations to HP.

The leaking of company confidential information violates our Standards of Business conduct which applies to all employees and Board members.

Clearly things have happened here that are unacceptable. But we will not react to speculation. Instead, we will continue to gather and review all the relevant facts. I can assure you we will get to the bottom of this and take appropriate action. HP's values are at the core of this company. These have not changed and will not change. HP's shared values are a set of deeply held beliefs that govern and guide our behavior.

  • We are passionate about customers
  • We have trust and respect for individuals
  • We perform at a high level of achievement and contribution
  • We act with speed and agility
  • We deliver meaningful innovation
  • We achieve our results through teamwork and
  • We conduct our business with uncompromising integrity.

    • The company has made tremendous progress and I thank you again for that.

    I have told you several times that building a successful company means we will have our ups and downs, and issues will come up. We are dealing with an issue now.

    I am resolved that we will work through this and take the necessary action.

    I compliment you for focusing on our business priorities and serving our customers.

    I intend to do the same. I ask for your confidence that we will do what is needed and continue to move forward on our path to build the world?s leading technology company.

    We have the right strategy, our performance is improving and I believe that's due to the great performance of our people. We want to stay focused as a group as we continue to pursue our objectives.

    Thank you.