(30 November 2005 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Google has appointed Ann Mather to its board of directors. As a corporate finance executive who has driven accounting and strategic business initiatives for different companies for nearly 25 years, Mather will also serve as the chairperson for Google's audit committee.

Mather says, "I am one of Google's biggest fans, and I believe whole-heartedly in its ability to help make the world a better place. I look forward to working with the esteemed board to help guide Google's finance and accounting platform".

Google CEO Eric Schmidt says, "Ann Mather is an extraordinary leader in the financial community, and her experience abroad is a great enhancement to the board's global perspective. We look forward to engaging Ann's vast accounting expertise as chair of our audit committee."

Mather has been a director on the board of the Central European Media Enterprises group since April 2004, and serves on its audit and compensation committees. She served as a director for Shopping.com from May 2004 until it was acquired by Ebay in 2005.