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Google CEO Eric Schmidt Leaves Apple Board

by Caleb Johnson on August 3, 2009 at 10:10 AM


With the announcement that Google would be moving into the OS realm, it became a lot tougher for Google CEO Eric Schmidt to perform his other duties on Apple's board of directors. Today, Schmidt, who joined the board in August 2006, stepped down from his position, citing conflicts of interest and saying the decision was mutual, according to CNN.

In a statement, Apple CEO Steve Jobs lauded Schmidt's efforts while on the board. However, Jobs said that Google's recent ventures into new markets would make Schmidt's job tougher: "Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple's core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric's effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished."

Prior to his decision, Schmidt had excused himself from meetings whenever Google-related subjects came up for discussion. Jobs says that Google's recent moves would force Schmidt to so excuse himself even more often, making his position impractical for both parties. By the same token, Schmidt's resignation may help Apple and Google by removing the teeth from the Department of Justice's inquiry into the two companies' "interlocking directorates," conducted under the nearly three-month-old Clayton Antitrust Act. Sounds like a positive move for both tech giants. [From: CNN and Engadget]

Tags: android, apple, board of directors, BoardOfDirectors, breaking news, BreakingNews, business, ceo, chrome, google, money, top

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