Hewlett-Packard general counsel resigns

WASHINGTON, DC -- Hewlett-Packard Co. said this morning its general counsel Ann Baskins has resigned, effective immediately. The move comes just hours before executives from the California computer maker and others are scheduled to begin testifying here in Washington to Congress about the corporate-spying the company conducted using Boston-area investigators.

In a statement, Hewlett-Packard chief executive Mark Hurd thanked Baskins for her service at the company, which she joined shortly after law school, but did not give a specific reason for her departure. "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,'' Hurd said.
(By Ross Kerber, Globe staff)