Mark Hurd, the co-CEO of Oracle, is taking a leave of absence, citing health reasons

Mark Hurd, one of two CEOs leading the database software giant Oracle, is taking a leave of absence owing to health reasons, he told employees in a letter today. Oracle has not specified what Hurd's health issue is or how long he is expected to be away. The news shocked many outsiders, given Hurd's performance, which saw the shares of H-P double on his watch, though the board suggested that it had little choice after the contractor's lawyer, celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, contacted the company, charging sexual harassment.