Google CEO Eric Schmidt is joining Apple's board of directors, the computer maker said on Tuesday, creating a close tie between two of Silicon Valley's most iconic companies. The addition of Schmidt to the board of Cupertino, California,-based Apple brings the total number of board members to eight, including Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder and CEO, and Al Gore, former vice president of the United States.

Schmidt was elected at a board meeting held on Tuesday, an Apple spokesman said. He also sits on the board of directors of Mountain View, California,-based Google and Princeton University's board of trustees.

"Apple is one of the companies in the world that I most admire," Schmidt said in a statement. "I'm really looking forward to working with Steve (Jobs) and Apple's board to help with all of the amazing things Apple is doing."