Google (GOOG) CEO Larry Page took the weird step this week of sending an e mail to reassure staff that he is no longer significantly ill, after Google introduced Web page overlooked the company's annual shareholder assembly as a result of he misplaced his voice.

Speculation approximately Page's well being was sparked Thursday, whilst he rapidly skipped the shareholder assembly and Govt Chairman Eric Schmidt mentioned Web page may not be doing any public talking for a number of weeks.

Schmidt stated Web page must forgo talking subsequent week on the company's annual developer conference, the place Google on a regular basis displays off its coolest new products, and at the quarterly convention name during which the corporate is anticipated to speak about its subsequent income record in mid-July. However Schmidt stated Web page will proceed to make strategic choices and function CEO.

Google may not say what led to Web page to lose his voice; a spokesman declined to remark Friday. However the 39-year-old Page, who co-founded the corporate with Sergey Brin, stated in an e mail to workers Thursday that there's" not anything significantly incorrect" with him. In step with an individual who learn the email, Web page additionally

assured staff that he'll "proceed to run the company."

The scenario is a gentle one for a distinguished corporate equivalent to Google, stated David Larcker, a Stanford industry professor and a professional on company governance. Even as Web page is entitled to a specific amount of privacy, Larcker added, the well being of a widely known founder and CEO will also be carefully tied to the well being of his company.

"He's a tender guy, and also you desire there may be not anything significantly wrong," Larcker stated of Web page. "HOWEVER given his status, you could possibly assume they may supply a bit of extra element that will prevent other folks from undertaking speculation."

Larcker cited there has been standard debate approximately how a lot data Apple (AAPL) had to proportion concerning the well being of its longtime CEO, Steve Jobs, who took a couple of scientific leaves ahead of his demise from most cancers closing 12 months. Jobs stepped down as CEO prior to he died, however Apple was criticized for now not sharing knowledge in advance approximately its mythical co-founder's illness.

Google's inventory hasn't suffered from the inside track approximately Web page. Stocks closed Friday at $571.48, up greater than 1 p.c for the day. However the Wall Side road Magazine quoted one analyst, Doug Anmuth of JPMorgan, as announcing that Schmidt's declaration "may just elevate a few questions amongst investors."

Schmidt jokingly advised shareholders this week that Brin had stated his co-founder's situation may make Web page a greater CEO "as a result of he'll need to make a selection his phrases very carefully."

Contact Brandon Bailey at 408-920-5022. Apply him at Twitter.com/brandonbailey.