The move follows a scandal related to a company probe of leaks from HP's board of directors, and comes after meetings of the board over the weekend and Monday to discuss the situation.

"I am taking action to ensure that inappropriate investigative techniques will not be employed again," Hurd said in a statement. "They have no place in HP."

In the statement, Dunn said: "The recent events that have taken place follow an important investigation that was required after the board sought to resolve the persistent disclosure of confidential information from within its ranks. These leaks had the potential to affect not only the stock price of HP but also that of other publicly traded companies.

"Unfortunately, the investigation, which was conducted with third parties, included certain inappropriate techniques," she said. "These went beyond what we understood them to be, and I apologize that they were employed."

Dunn went on to say she is "very proud" of progress the company has made during the past 18 months. "During the remainder of my tenure as chairman, I look forward to completing the transition that is underway, including expanding the board, continuing to improve our corporate governance standards and bringing the current issues to resolution."