Hewlett-Packard chief executive Mark Hurd has resigned as boss of the Silicon Valley computer company, following a sexual harassment inquiry.
Mr Hurd, 53, stepped down from his positions as president and CEO after an investigation into claims made against him by a former HP contractor.
The company said its sexual harassment policy had not been violated, but its standards of business conduct were.
The BBC reports HP has named chief financial officer Cathie Lesjak as interim chief executive while the board seeks a new one.
Mr Hurd was credited with bringing stability to HP after his predecessor Carly Fiorina resigned in February 2005 after the acquisition of PC maker Compaq.
HP is the world's top personal computer maker. The announcement on Friday sent its shares plunging 10%.
Shares closed at $US46.30 on the New York Stock Exchange and fell to $US41.50 in extended trading.
