Apple’s vice president of communications bids adieu

Steve Dowling, who has headed Apple’s communications for the last five years, is leaving the tech giant, reports VOX.

Previously, he was Apple’s head of corporate public relations for 10 years.  According to a memo he sent this week to staff, Dowling added that he plans to take time off and is apparently not moving to another job at another company. 

“After 16 years at Apple, countless keynotes, product launches and the occasional PR crisis, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to step away from our remarkable company,” wrote Dowling. “This is something that has been on my mind for a while, and it came into sharp focus during the latest — and for me, last — launch cycle. Your plans are set and the team is executing brilliantly as ever. So, it’s time.”

In a statement, Apple said of Dowling’s departure: “Steve Dowling has been dedicated to Apple for more than 16 years and has contributed to the company at every level through many of its most significant moments. From the first iPhone and App Store to Apple Watch and AirPods, he has helped tell Apple’s story and share our values with the world. Following another successful product launch, he has decided to leave Apple to spend some much deserved time with his family. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will serve the company well into the future. We’re grateful to him for all that he’s given to Apple and wish him the best.”

VOX says that Dowling will stay at Apple until the end of October. No word on whom his replacement will be. Phil Schiller, vice president of Worldwide Marketing, will fill in during the interim.