AAPL board to talk Schmidt

Apple's board of directors will meet on Tuesday in order to suggest replacements for Google CEO Eric Schmidt, claims a source contacted by the Wall Street Journal. Schmidt resigned from the Apple board earlier this month amidst growing conflicts of interest, which were ultimately capped by the announcement of Chrome OS. The Federal Trade Commission has been investigating links between Apple and Google's boards, which go beyond Schmidt to Genentech chairman Arthur Levinson.

While many corporations share directors, it is illegal for a pair to do so when they also operate in the same areas. Prior to his resignation, Schmidt voluntarily avoided any board meetings in which the iPhone was discussed. Google does not make any cellphones, but the company is responsible for creating the Android mobile platform.

Apple's internal rules allow it to have between five and nine board members, and in Schmidt's absence the company is down to seven. It is uncertain who may be tapped to replace Schmidt, but past sources have hinted that Apple's own COO, Tim Cook, could be put forward as a candidate. The only other Apple executive on the board is CEO Steve Jobs.

by MacNN Staff