Apple replaces heads of software, retail
Following the launch of their flawed mapping software, Apple's CEO announced the company will replace two top executives, the head of software, responsible for Apple Maps and Siri, as well as the head of retail.
A member of the media uses the map function of iPhone 5 after its introduction during Apple Inc.'s iPhone media event in San Francisco, California September 12. Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook announced Monday the company would replace the head of software, responsible for Apple Maps, as well as the head of retail.
Beck Diefenbach/Reuters/File
San Francisco
Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook on Monday replaced the heads of its software and retail units in the company's biggest executive shake-up in a decade following embarrassing problems with its new mapping program and unpopular store-related decisions.
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Software chief Scott Forstall, who oversaw the launch of the flawed mapping software and much criticized Siri voice-enabled assistant, will leave Apple next year.
Forstall, seen as a polarizing figure inside Apple, had been billed as one of the future candidates to take the top job at Apple. He was the executive behind the panned Apple Maps app that the company announced with much fanfare in summer.
Apple said in a statement that retail chief John Browett "is leaving," without elaborating; that a search for his replacement is underway; and the retail team would report directly to Cook. Browett had riled up the retail store staff when he reduced the number of employees in his unit.
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