Tony Fadell to leave Google's home automation unit

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Amid reports of poor results, internal turmoil and staff departures, former Apple executive and Nest co-founder Tony Fadell is leaving Google, a media report said.

Former CEO of Nest – the smart-home gadget maker that Google acquired for $3.2 billion and now a division of Alphabet – Fadell announced his departure in a blog post on Friday.

"This will give me the time and flexibility to pursue new opportunities to create and disrupt other industries - and to support others who want to do the same - just as we've done at Nest," Fadell wrote.He said that his departure had been in the works since late last year. He added that he will remain involved as an advisor to Alphabet and its CEO Larry Page, Forbes reported on Friday.

Meanwhile, Page praised Fadell and said "Under Tony's leadership, Nest has catapulted the connected home into the mainstream, secured leadership positions for each of its products and grown its revenue. He's a true visionary and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as advisor to Alphabet."

Former vice-president of Motorola Mobility Marwan Fawaz will take over as Nest's CEO.

"I'm delighted that Marwan will be the new Nest CEO and am confident in his ability to deepen Nest's partnerships, expand within enterprise channels and bring Nest products to even more homes," Page added.

Before starting Nest in 2011 with Apple intern Matt Rogers, Fadell helped Apple in the development of the iPod and iPhone. With Nest, Fadell launched a Learning Thermostat that raised more than $80 million from big-name venture capitalists.