HP Exec Resigns

One of Hewlett-Packard’s most visible Internet enthusiasts is resigning for personal reasons. Nick Earle will move back to Britain, where he grew up, and take a job next month for a major technology company that doesn’t compete directly with HP, a spokeswoman said. Earle is an 18-year company veteran who has headed the company’s 120-member “e-services” group since last year. He has been a champion of HP investments in new companies and in alliances with such powerhouses as Qwest Communications. Earle’s departure wasn’t announced by the company, and analysts said others could do his deal-making job easily. But he has been a popular figure with customers and partners. Earle declined to comment.