Levinson resigation means Apple, Google boards sever last tie

[AppleInsider]

Google announced Monday that Dr. Arthur Levinson resigned from the company's board of directors, severing its last common link with Apple's own board.

Levinson, former CEO of Genentech, remains on Apple's own board of directors. His presence with both companies had been the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Federal Trade Commission over anticompetitive concerns.

Previously, Google CEO Eric Schmidt had served on the Apple Board of Directors, but stepped down as his company and Apple began to compete more heavily in numerous markets. The announcement of Chrome OS and the debut of the Android mobile phone platform were cited by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs as examples of Google entering more of Apple's core businesses.

Levinson had served on Google's board since 2004. In a statement, Schmidt praised him as a friend and colleague.

"Art has been a key part of Google's success these past five years, offering unvarnished advice and vital counsel on every big issue and opportunity Google has faced," Schmidt said. "Though he leaves as a member of our board, Art will always have a special place at Google."

Levinson shared kind words about his with Google. No reason for his departure was given.

"Working with Eric, Larry, Sergey and the whole Google team has been a remarkable experience for me," he said. "I greatly admire what they've built and have no doubt that Google has a terrific future."

Earlier this month, Schmidt had commented that Levinson should not resign from his position, despite the FTC investigation.

Levinson's time on Apple's board since 2000 has proved profitable. In 2005, he cashed in on more than $2.6 million in Apple common stock when he sold 30,000 shares. More recently, he accepted $8,923 worth of free gear from the company. Apple's directors are entitled to one of each of the company's new products, as well as discounts on hardware purchases.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[bloggerblog]

Good deal!

[LE Studios]

Originally Posted by bloggerblog

Good deal!

Yeah I would take a loaded Mac Pro on the way out, too.

[AjitMD]

I get the impression that the CEO of Google while on the board of Apple must have an advanced peek at the iPhone before it hit the market... at least at the general concept. That explains the speed of deployment of the Android.

Apple needs to get put another mapping app instead of Google Maps, plus multiple search engines. There is no point giving Google control over the add space and feed their war chest.

Sooner the better.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by LE Studios

Yeah I would take a loaded Mac Pro on the way out, too.

He left Google's, not Apple's board.

[sheff]

If even Google is evil now, who is left? I guess I won't be searching the net any time soon.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by AjitMD

I get the impression that the CEO of Google while on the board of Apple must have an advanced peek at the iPhone before it hit the market... at least at the general concept. That explains the speed of deployment of the Android.

Apple needs to get put another mapping app instead of Google Maps, plus multiple search engines. There is no point giving Google control over the add space and feed their war chest.

Sooner the better.

Easier said than done- thats a huge undertaking to replace all of what Google presently offers i.e. street level views, etc.
Very interesting how these 2 companies formed a partnership to derail Micrsoft which was barely effective and they have now become each others adversary.

So how long is it before does Apple rips Google out of Safari's browser?
You know that''s a distinct possibilty based on Apple freaky control record.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by sheff

If even Google is evil now, who is left? I guess I won't be searching the net any time soon.

B-I-N-G (o)!

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Easier said than done- thats a huge undertaking to replace all of what Google presently offers i.e. street level views, etc.
Very interesting how these 2 companies formed a partnership to derail Micrsoft which was barely effective and they have now become each others adversary.

So how long is it before does Apple rips Google out of Safari's browser?
You know that''s a distinct possibilty based on Apple freaky control record.

Google pays ad click referral fees to at least some browsers, in return for the search box treatment. A large portion of the Mozilla Foundation is funded by Google.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by AjitMD

I get the impression that the CEO of Google while on the board of Apple must have an advanced peek at the iPhone before it hit the market... at least at the general concept. That explains the speed of deployment of the Android.

This has been covered before. Don't you think that he would have been ejected from the board long ago if the Apple heads thought this was happening? Eric Shmidt recused himself from the meetings when the iPhone topic comes up.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

Google pays ad click referral fees to at least some browsers, in return for the search box treatment. A large portion of the Mozilla Foundation is funded by Google.

So do you think Apple could ever completely separate from Google entirely? It seems like Google has infiltrated everything, I just can't see anybody else replacing them with the level of service they provide. Would that also mean Apple would no longer support YouTube?

[tsa]

Originally Posted by teckstud

It seems like Google has infiltrated everything.

Yep, Google is on its way to become the new Microsoft. The only difference is that Google got where it is now thanks to the quality of its products, and not using illegal and shady business practices.