Following the Federal Trade Commission's investigation into Apple and Google's overlapping board of directors, Arthur Levinson has become the latest director required to choose between the two companies.
The news comes just a few months after Google CEO and Chairman Eric Schmidt resigned from Apple's board of directors.
Arthur Levinson the former chairman and CEO of Genentech joined Apple in 2000 and joined Google in 2004, today Levinson resigned from Google's board, effective immediately.
Schmidt released the following statement:
"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."
[Update] Jon Leibowitz chairman of the Federal Trade Commission has praised Levinson's resignation from Google's board saying, "Google, Apple, and Mr. Levinson should be commended for recognizing that overlapping board members between competing companies raise serious antitrust issues and for their willingness to resolve our concerns without the need for litigation," adding "Beyond this matter, we will continue to monitor companies that share board members and take enforcement actions where appropriate."