Mountain View (California): Google said that Arthur Levinson who also serves as a Director for computer and gadget maker Apple, is stepping down from the Internet search leader's board, to remove a potential conflict of interest as the two companies look to compete more directly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had been investigating whether Levinson's double duty on the boards of both Google and Apple would lessen competition between the companies as they increasingly collide in the same markets. Google did not specify the reason for Levinson's departure, but it has previously acknowledged the FTC's inquiry into his roles at Google and Apple. He will remain on Apple's board, where he has been a Director for nine years. Levinson, who is also the Chairman of biotechnology company Genentech, owns a bigger stake in Cupertino, California-based Apple than he does in Mountain View-based Google, according to regulatory filings. Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that Levinson has been "a key part of Google's success these past five years." Levinson's resignation from Google's board takes effect immediately, ending his stint. Google did not say whether it will fill Levinson's vacant seat. The resignation leaves Google with nine directors, including Schmidt and its Co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.