Dick Hackborn, the HP director and former executive responsible for creating the company's hugely successful printing business, probably played a key role in the behind-the-scenes manoeuvrings that led up to Carly Fiorina's removal, according to close observers of the company.

Mr Hackborn was instrumental in the departure of HP's last chief executive, Lew Platt, who was pushed aside to make room for Ms Fiorina. With close personal ties to the company's management and founding families, and a reputation as HP's elder statesman, Mr Hackborn's soundings of management helped to cement the board's decision in 1999 that new leadership was needed.