Disney's Robert Iger joins Apple board

Apple has made a number of changes to its board, naming Arthur D Levinson as chairman and adding Disney CEO Robert Iger to its members.

"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," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.

"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."

Iger has been CEO and president of The Walt Disney Company since March 2005, when he succeeded Michael Eisner. Since then he has overseen the acquisition of Pixar in 2006. He'll also serve on Apple's audit committee.

"I am honoured to be named chairman of Apple's board and welcome Bob to our team," added new chairman Levinson.

"Apple is always focused on out-innovating itself through the delivery of truly innovative products that simplify and improve our lives, and that is something I am very proud to be a part of."

Levinson is currently chairman of Genentech Inc, after joining the company as a research scientist in 1980, and has been co-lead director of the Apple board since 2005.

"Art has made enormous contributions to Apple since he joined the board in 2000," said Cook.

"He has been our longest serving co-lead director, and his insight and leadership are incredibly valuable to Apple, our employees and our shareholders."

In a recent survey Apple's late executive Steve Jobs was named as the industry's most influential figure.