Google CEO Joins Apple Board

Today's WSJ reports:

Apple Computer Inc. said Google Inc. Chief Executive Eric Schmidt joined its board of directors, in a move that further aligns two Silicon Valley powerhouses with long-running rivalries against Microsoft Corp.

While most board appointments in the technology industry escape wide notice, the Apple announcement unites two of the most high-profile executives in the business -- Mr. Schmidt and Apple CEO Steve Jobs -- prompting speculation that the move could lead to a deeper alliance between the companies at some point.

While most board appointments in technology may escape notice, there are few if any like these to notice in traditional philanthropy.  I cut my teeth in Chicago's foundation community in the 90's where the Chicago Community Trust and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation were the big players. Back in the day (things change?) these foundations might co-fund efforts started by third players, but an oil and water dynamic emerged when one launched their own.

Despite several shared focus areas, each foundation quite reasonably had a unique approach. I once heard someone say, "MacArthur funds top-dollar research in juvenile justice reform. The Trust installs vending machines at the juvenile court so folks have something to eat while they wait for their cases to come up."

That's fine but in business, alliances like Jobs and Schmidt happen because they make strategic sense. (Google and Apple aren't in the same business but both make the new world go 'round.)

According to Jobs, "Like Apple, Google is very focused on innovation and we think Eric's insights and experience will be very valuable in helping to guide Apple in the years ahead."

When the new (post dot.com), new philanthropists begin to act on the fact that social impact is more important that ego--engaging intellectual powerhouses even if they have their own foundation (imagine!) -- we will have one more signpost pointing to the end of philanthropy as usual.

Susan Herr