Eric Schmidt resigns from Apple board

By Chris Davies/Aug. 3, 2009 6:45 am EST

Google and Apple have announced that Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, has resigned from Apple's board of directors to pre-empt concerns of conflict-of-interest. The move comes as Google "enters more of Apple's core businesses" courtesy of Android and Chrome OS, and is described as a "mutual" decision".

Schmidt had been a member of the Apple board since August 2006. The executive last discussed stepping down from Apple's board back at a press event during which Google's plans for Chrome OS and Android were covered, and at which point Schmidt revealed he was initially reluctant to develop either the Chrome browser or the Chrome OS.

Press Release:

Dr. Eric Schmidt Resigns from Apple's Board of Directors
CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple today announced that Dr. Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer of Google, is resigning from Apple's Board of Directors, a position he has held since August 2006.

"Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "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."

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