In what has been described as "the biggest management shakeup at Apple since the Steve Jobs putsch that eliminated Gil Amelio in 1997" Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is said to have fired Scott Forstall (pictured), described as an unpopular face at Apple, and held responsible for the disastrous Apple Maps and the underperforming Siri.
While Apple’s press release claimed that the management changes would "encourage even more collaboration" at Apple, a report in the New York Times claimed Forstall and retail head John Browett were fired. Browett had come in for criticism over changing work practices in Apple stores when rosters were changed and staff asked to adopt a more sales-oriented approach – a decision Browett was forced to step back from.
As senior vice president of iOS Software Forstall was responsible for Maps, but allegedly refused to sign the letter of apology, a mistake that sources are claiming lead to his departure from Apple. It was left to Cook to sign the letter.
Other reports have appeared over the past few months claiming Forstall was not popular with the other Apple executives, despite being favoured by Steve Jobs. In particular his relationship with Jony Ive was said to be so bad the two would not sit in the same meeting room together, according to New York Times sources. As a result, it appears the mood of people at Apple is "largely positive" about Forstall’s departure. "This was better than the Giants winning the World Series," said one NYT source. "People are really excited."
Apple isn’t looking for a direct replacement for Forstall, rather his responsibilities will be shared among other Apple executives.
Senior vice president of Internet software and services Eddy Cue is to take over leadership of Apple Maps and Siri. Fortune described Cue as "Apple’s Mr Fix-it," noting that he cleaned up and eventually killed MobileMe.
Senior vice president of industrial design Jonathan Ive will take on software responsibilities, providing "leadership and direction for Human Interface," according to Apple.
Vice president of Mac Software Engineering Craig Federighi will take on the leadership of iOS.
Recently unretired Bob Mansfield will oversee ‘wireless technology’. Fortune notes that: "It does not suggest that Cook’s hands are firmly on the steering wheel when a veteran executive announces his retirement, only to be placed in a critical role overseeing initiatives key to the company’s future."
Cook himself is said to be taking responsibility for the retail division while he looks for a replacement for Browett. Cook is said to be an expert in supply chain management, but has met with some issues lately with new suppliers being unable to meet demand for new products such as the iPhone 5.
As for Forstall, he is going to remain an advisor to Cook until "next year," according to Apple’s press release. However, this is intended to keep Forstall from ringing up Samsung, speculates Fortune.
Forstall may have seen it coming. Last May he cashed in 95% of his Apple stock worth $38.7 million. The shares were the remains of a retention bonus granted in 2008.
IDG News Service
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers