Hewlett-Packard hires firm to find new CEO in wake of Mark Hurd’s ouster

HP hires firm to handle CEO search

SAN FRANCISCO — Hewlett-Packard Co. says it has hired executive-search firm Spencer Stuart to lead the hunt for a new CEO to replace Mark Hurd.

The job is coveted because of HP’s role as the world’s largest technology company. It is also troubled: Hurd and his predecessor, Carly Fiorina, were both forced out in public dispute with the board of directors.

HP named director John Hammergren as chair of the search committee, which also includes board members Marc Andreesen, Laurence Babbio Jr., and Joel Hyatt.

The firm’s hiring was announced Wednesday.

Hurd resigned Aug. 6 in an imbroglio over a sexual harassment claim against him and falsified expense reports connected to his accuser.