Apple picks Arthur Levinson as Chairman, Disney’s Iger joins board

Apple has named Arthur D. Levinson to the position of non-executive Chairman of the Board, filling former CEO Steve Jobs’ long time role.

When Jobs stepped down as CEO because he was too sick to continue working, he retained his title of chairman. But since he passed away in early October, that spot has been vacant. Levinson (pictured left) makes sense as a replacement because he has been a long-time member of Apple’s board and has been a successful chairman for biotech firm Genentech. When Jobs stepped down as CEO back in August, Levinson spoke on behalf of the board and praised Jobs’ “extraordinary vision and leadership.”

“Art has made enormous contributions to Apple since he joined the board in 2000,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in statement. “He has been our longest serving co-lead director, and his insight and leadership are incredibly valuable to Apple, our employees and our shareholders.”

The company also announced Disney CEO Bob Iger will join Apple’s board of directors. Iger also had a strong relationship with Jobs, who was Disney’s largest shareholder at one time.

“Bob and I have gotten to know one another very well over the past few years and on behalf of the entire board, we think he is going to make an extraordinary addition to our already very strong board,” Cook said. “His strategic vision for Disney is based on three fundamentals: generating the best creative content possible, fostering innovation and utilizing the latest technology, and expanding into new markets around the world which makes him a great fit for Apple.”

Apple’s board also includes Cook, former Vice President Al Gore, Avon CEO Andrea Jung, Intuit Chairman Bill Campbell, J. Crew CEO Millard S. Drexler and Ron Sugar, the former CEO of Northrop Grumman Corp.