Apple's Gassee Announces Resignation
Cupertino, California--March 2, 1990--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced that Jean-Louis Gassee, 45, president of Apple Products, intends to leave the company after an orderly transition of his responsibilities.
"In light of recent organizational changes at Apple, Jean-Louis and I have discussed at great length how his personal career goals fit in with opportunities for him at the company," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and chief executive officer. "And Jean-Louis has decided that this is an appropriate time for him to move on. While we will miss his leadership, integrity and spirit, we understand his decision: He has our very best wishes in his new pursuits.
"As we go forward, we know that Apple's product organization is the strongest and most technically-proficient in the industry. As a result, Gassee's departure will not slow down current product development plans," said Sculley.
The company's engineering, networking and communication, and advanced technology efforts will now report directly to Sculley. The company's worldwide product marketing and manufacturing functions began reporting to Michael H. Spindler, chief operating officer, in January of 1990.
Reporting to Sculley are:
Edward Birss, 37, senior vice president, Product Engineering. Birss is a 10-year Apple veteran and has held a number of key engineering and product development posts at the company, including director of software engineering and manager of advanced technology and manager of education research.
Donald P. Casey, 43, vice president, Networking and Communications. Casey joined Apple in 1988 in his present role after a prominent 21-year career at the IBM corporation.
Larry G. Tesler, 44, vice president, Advanced Technology. Tesler is a 10-year Apple veteran and has held a number of senior technology positions at the company. Prior to Apple, Tesler was a member of the research staff at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center.
"We are very confident we have the senior technical talent to take Apple to the next stage of its growth as a technical innovator in the industry in the 1990's," said Sculley.