Google parts company with Northern Europe comms director Mike Harvey

He left two weeks ago, with the company explaining that it had been a ‘mutual decision’.

Harvey joined Google in October 2010, replacing Peter Barron, who became the firm’s director of external relations for EMEA.

A Google spokesman said: ‘We are really grateful to Mike for all his work and we wish him all the best. We have not made a decision yet about his replacement.’

Harvey, who was previously technology correspondent and features editor for The Times, declined to comment on the reasons behind his departure or future plans.