The big news in Google Land is the resignation of Erich Schmidt from Apples board. Schmidt held the position on the Board of Directors at Apple and walked the company a long way before irreconcilable conflicts of interest apparently became too much
The Google CEO’s resignation was not entirely unexpected – frequent friction between the two companies had made headlines as of late, most notable being the rejection of the Google Vouice Application by teh Apple store. The FCC instigated an investigation, and perhaps things just got too hot at Apple for Schmidt to stay on.
Eric initailly joined Apple in 2006, when he was hailed as an industry leader:
“Eric is obviously doing a terrific job as CEO of Google, and we look forward to his contributions as a member of Apple’s board of directors,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Like Apple, Google is very focused on innovation and we think Eric’s insights and experience will be very valuable in helping to guide Apple in the years ahead.”
“Apple is one of the companies in the world that I most admire,” said Eric Schmidt. “I’m really looking forward to working with Steve and Apple’s board to help with all of the amazing things Apple is doing.”
Now, just three years later, the partnership is over. Apple released a short statement from Steve Jobs:
“Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful,” Jobs, Apple’s CEO, said. “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, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, we have mutually decided that now is the right time for Eric to resign his position on Apple’s Board.”
Tags: Apple, Eric Schmidt, Google, Steve Jobs