HP general counsel resigns in board scandal

HP today announced that general counsel Ann Baskins has resigned from the company, effective immediately. Baskins was indicated by Mike Holston of law firm Morgan Lewis, which leads the internal investigation in the HP board leak and investigation scandal, to have been a central figure with comprehensive knowledge of the questionable investigation practices applied by HP and an external company.

The investigation against HP board members and journalists included obtaining phone records and social security numbers, the usage of an email tracer mechanism as well as physical surveillance of individuals.

"I want to thank Ann for 24 years of outstanding service and devotion to HP," said Mark Hurd, HP chairman and chief executive officer. "She began her career here shortly after law school and worked her way up to serve as the company’s top lawyer, earning along the way a reputation for hard work and integrity. She has admirably supported our business needs across the globe and will be missed. Stepping down was a very hard decision for her, but by doing so she has put the interests of HP above her own and that is to be commended."

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