Hewlett Packard announced that Morgan Lewis partner Michael Holston has been appointed as general counsel. HP CEO Mark Hurd highlighted key attributes of Mr. Holston:
“Mike is a first-rate lawyer, with extensive trial and government-relations experience, as well as a deep knowledge of HP and its culture,†said Hurd. “I am delighted that he has accepted this position.â€
The AP story is here.
Mr. Hurd relied on Mr. Holston heavily during the director leak investigations last year. Mr. Holston (and his firm) took a front line position in the matter, and was seen as helping stabilize a very volatile situation.
Mr. Holston joined Morgan Lewis in 2005 from Drinker Biddle.
The HP GC position is one of the premiere openings in the last few years. While HP faces legal challenges on many fronts, these matters can also provide opportunity to move the company (and the legal department) forward.