SAN FRANCISCO — Google CEO Larry Page is missing Thursday's annual shareholders meeting because he has lost his voice.
Page's absence was announced at the beginning of the meeting by Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt. Page, Google's co-founder, replaced Schmidt as CEO last year.
Schmidt told shareholders that Page's voice problems will also prevent him from speaking next week at a Google conference for its Android software for smartphones. Page will also miss a conference call with analysts next month when Google reviews its financial results for the second quarter.
Schmidt says Page, 39, will continue as CEO while he recovers. No further information about the nature of Page's voice difficulty was immediately provided.
Google Inc. is expected to approve the creation of a new class of non-voting stock during the meeting. (AP)