Google CEO Eric Schmidt quits Apple board

CUPERTINO, USA: Computer giant Apple today announced that Google chief executive Eric Schmidt is resigning from its Board of Directors.

Since both the tech giants are competing in certain areas, there was a question about Schmidt continuing in the board of Apple, 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."

Ever since Google announced the plan for Chrome OS, there were speculations that the Google CEO would quit from the Apple board. Also Google's announcement of Chrome OS had raised more questions about the relationship between their boards.