Former Ford chief Alan Mulally, who retired 1 July, has been appointed to the board of Google and will also take a seat on the audit committee. The appointment was effective from 9 July, Google said in a statement.

“Alan brings a wealth of proven business and technology leadership experience,” said CEO Larry Page. “I am so pleased that Alan is now joining Google’s board.”

“I am honored to serve on the board of a global iconic company that is dedicated to enhancing our lives,” Mulally said. “I look forward to working together with the Google board and management team to continue to deliver their compelling vision.”

Mulally was president and CEO of Ford from September 2006 and was also a board member and served on its finance committee.

From March 2001 to September 2006, Mulally was executive vice president of Boeing and president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and a member of the executive council. Previously, he was president of Boeing’s space and defence business.

Bloomberg News reported in April Mulally wasn’t planning a golfing retirement and was expected to resurface at the top of a major corporation, probably as a board director or chairman. He had been rumoured to be on a shortlist to replace Steve Ballmer as head of Microsoft.

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The apparent quick finalisation of the post at Google is likely the reason Mulally’s departure from Ford was brought forward when he had earlier indicated he would stay until the end of 2014.

Our final interview with Mulally