HP "top aide" to ex-CEO Mark Hurd quits

HP's head of internal communications – and "top aide" to ex-CEO Mark HurdCaprice Fimbres McIlvaine has resigned from the company, in a move which is being seen as related to the sexual harassment suit filed against the former chief executive.  According to Fortune's sources, McIlvaine was "a key conduit" in the recruitment of Jodie Fisher, who later filed the suit.  The aide also accompanied Hurd on business trips and was responsible for travel arrangements.

HP's board has said that Hurd's departure from the company was not primarily down to the harassment suit – which was investigated and found to be groundless – but a loss of confidence in the CEO after he reportedly falsified expenses to cover up details of an extramarital affair.  It's unclear whether McIlvaine has been seen to be involved in that process; Fortune's attempts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.