Another high profile Google (NSDQ: GOOG) departure: VP of Engineering Douglas Merrill has left the online giant and joined the embattled music label EMI as its new digital president, apparently in an attempt to add more digital mojo at the company. The news was first reported here and then confirmed by News.com. He will stay in California, even though EMI is based in London…he joiend Google in late 2003 as Senior Director of Information Systems.

Robert adds: EMI confirmed Merrill will be responsible for “digital strategy, innovation, business development, supply chain and global technology activities”. He starts on April 28, based in LA.

• EMI Confirms Up To 2,000 Job Losses In Restructuring