Hugo Barra, former vice president of product management for Android, has left Google to take a VP job at Xiaomi, a Chinese company that makes high-end smartphones running Android. Barra’s departure has been confirmed by Google, and while the move is interesting enough, the circumstances within Google surrounding the exit are particularly sensitive.

Barra recently ended a relationship with a Googler who is now in a relationship with co-founder Sergey Brin, according to AllThingsD. The situation starts turning into a reality TV show amid the news that Brin recently split up with his wife of six years. While it isn’t being reported that Barra left Google due to the unfortunate love rectangle, there were likely personal issues involved in the decision.

Professionally, Barra was in a key position at Google under the newly-appointed Android chief, Sundar Pichai. He has been frequently seen onstage at Google events, including the last Nexus 7 unveiling. Barra is the second high-profile member of the Android team to leave in recent months, as Android creator Andy Rubin left the division earlier this year.

Barra has bid the Android team farewell on his Google+ page:

After nearly 5½ years at Google and almost 3 years as a member of the Android team — the most amazing group of people I’ve ever worked with in my life — I have decided to start a new career chapter.

In a few weeks, I’ll be joining the Xiaomi team in China to help them expand their incredible product portfolio and business globally — as Vice President, Xiaomi Global. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, and am particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to help drive the Android ecosystem.

• SourceAllThingsD