HP vows to stay the course without Hurd

HP posted strong Q3 revenues despite the Mark Hurd scandal

HP has stated that it will not change its business strategy in the wake of chief executive Mark Hurd's resignation.

Cathie Lesjak, chief financial officer and interim chief executive, told reporters during the company's quarterly earnings call that HP does not expect to see much strategic change when the next chief executive is named.

"When you have a winning strategy I don't see the motivation to change it, and that's what we've got here," Lesjak told reporters. "This is a well thought out strategy that is working very well for us."

HP posted third-quarter revenues of $30.7bn (£19.7bn), an 11 per cent jump over last year.

Revenues rose nine per cent in EMEA and 12 per cent in the Americas, and HP said that the strong performance had led the company to increase its yearly revenue outlook.

HP has hired a head-hunting firm to help in the search for a new chief executive after Hurd was forced to step down amid a sexual harassment scandal.

Lesjak said that much of her time these days is spent reassuring employees, investors and HP customers that the company will maintain growth during the transition.

"Mark Hurd left this organisation with an extremely strong and talented management team," said Lesjak. "He left it in great shape. We are very well positioned."