Arthur Levinson Leaves Google Board

Arthur D. Levinson, former CEO & Chairman of Genentech is resigning from Google’s Board of Directors. Google CEO Eric Schmidt said in a press release

“Art has been a key part of Google’s success these past five years, offering unvarnished advice … Though he leaves as a member of our Board, Art will always have a special place at Google.”

Art is also a member of Apple’s board of directors & the only one (after Schmidt resigned in August) who had a similar position at Google.

Though Google did not give any reason for Art’s exit but I would say it is because of -

1). The ongoing enquiry by FTC over the close ties (at the board level) between Apple & Google.

2). The growing coldness between the two companies. The good old friends became ‘frenemies’ when Google announced the upcoming Chrome OS, shortly after Schmidt resigned from Apple’s board and then that legendary Google-Voice iPhone App rejection happened (FCC is still investigating over the issue).

Google Vs Apple will get uglier in days to come. I have at least three reasons to believe that Phone, OS, Maps!

Follow-Up

Google Press Release : Arthur Levinson Resigns from Google’s Board of Directors

Neutral :

CNET News : Levinson quits Google’s board by Lance Whitney

TechCrunch : Genentech’s (And Apple Board Member) Arthur Levinson Leaves Google Board by Robin Wauters

Opinion:

9 to 5 Mac : Why did Levinson choose Apple over Google? by Seth Weintraub

Bits (NYT) : Levinson Leaves Google Board Amid F.T.C. Inquiry by Miguel Helft

AppleInsider : Levinson resignation means Apple, Google boards sever last tie by Neil Hughes