Mark Hurd is to become co-president of software maker Oracle only a month after being forced out as head of Hewlett-Packard over breaches of the computer makers’ code of conduct.

The rapid return by one of the technology industry’s best-known executives reflects the strong support he has continued to receive in some corners of Silicon Valley, in spite of his falling-out with HP’s board after an investigation of sexual harrassment allegations levelled by a former HP marketing consultant and actress, Jodie Fisher.

Mr Ellison has been one of Mr Hurd’s strongest public supporters since the surprise move by HP in early August to force out its former chief executive over breaches of its conduct of business rules tied to misstatement of expenses and his “inappropriate” relationship with Ms Foster. The two executives are friends and play tennis together.