Hewlett-Packard Names New Director

Computer giant Hewlett-Packard will soon add Internet-browser expert Marc Andreessen to its board of directors, marking the company’s second major interaction with Andreessen after purchasing his software company, Opsware Inc., for $1.6 billion two years ago. Andreessen will start acting immediately, bringing the number of HP directors to eleven.
 
The board of directors has changed dramatically since 2005, when Mark Hurd took over as chief executive officer of the company and decided to shake things up after a variety of ethical scandals committed by the board in relation to media leaks. Adding Andreessen to the board brings the knowledge of the cofounder of Netscape Communications Corp., one of the main forces that helped to popularize web browsers.
 
Andreessen will receive $100,000 a year in cash as well as a stock package valued at $150,000 each year, according to HP’s regulatory filing. He will also receive $10,000 per year as the chairman of the company’s technology committee and will have the opportunity to buy discounted company products to donate to charity.

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