Schmidt’s Choice: He’d Take Apple CEO Spot Over Amazon & Facebook

Once CEO of Google, now executive chairman, if Eric Schmidt could become CEO of Apple, Amazon or Facebook, which would he choose? Asked during an on-stage interview with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher from AllThingsD, Schmidt went for the one with the most cash, Apple.

The question came from an audience member at a 92Y event today in New York, where Schmidt was being interviewed.

Schmidt responded that he’d been on the board of Apple and would always a special spot in his heart for Apple and plus “they have more cash.”

He then said each company had different challenges, though he really covered their strengths.

Of Apple, Schmidt spoke of being close to Steve Jobs, how he’s missed dearly and imbued a culture at Apple that remains strong.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos drew praise for “remarkable moves” on supply chain integration.

Facebook, with a billion users, “You can make money,” Schmidt said.

When pressed to choose by Mossberg, Schmidt went back to the bottom line: “Which has the most cash?”

You can read a pseudo-transcript of the interview here at AllThingsD or watch the entire video below:

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily MarTech. Staff authors are listed here.

About The Author

Danny Sullivan

Danny Sullivan was a journalist and analyst who covered the digital and search marketing space from 1996 through 2017. He was also a cofounder of Third Door Media, which publishes Search Engine Land, MarTech, and produces the SMX: Search Marketing Expo and MarTech events. He retired from journalism and Third Door Media in June 2017. You can learn more about him on his personal site & blog He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.