Attendees wait for a product announcement event to begin at the Apple Cupertino, California, headquarters on September 12, 2018.
Noah Berger | AFP | Getty Images
Apple‘s head of communications Steve Dowling is leaving the company, Recode first reported. CNBC has also confirmed Dowling’s departure.
Dowling is the third executive from Apple’s leadership team to step down this year. The company’s retail boss Angela Ahrendts announced her departure in February. And Apple’s legendary design boss Jony Ive resigned in June. All three executives were members of Apple’s leadership team, reporting to CEO Tim Cook.
“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,” Apple said in a statement.
“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.”
Dowling previously worked as a journalist for CNBC before joining Apple.
This story is developing.
–CNBC’s Josh Lipton contributed to this report.
