Long-time Apple marketing supremo Phil Schiller exits role

The slow churn of Apple veterans stepping out of leading roles continues with the announcement that long-time marketing supremo Phil Schiller is stepping down from his role. In his place, another senior exec, Greg Joswiak, will take on the role as senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. ‘Joz’, as he is known colloquially, is a 20-year veteran of Apple’s marketing efforts and previously reported to Schiller.

Schiller had this to say in a prepared statement:

It has been a dream come true for me to work at Apple, on so many products I love, with all of these great friends — Steve, Tim, and so many more. I first started at Apple when I was 27, this year I turned 60 and it is time for some planned changes in my life. I’ll keep working here as long as they will have me. I bleed six colors, but I also want to make some time in the years ahead for my family, friends, and a few personal projects I care deeply about.

Schiller’s exit from a senior executive role to one with a reduced level of responsibility follows the pattern set by legendary Apple designer Jony Ive who eventually exited the company completely last year after stepping back from a central design role. Under Schiller, Apple has transformed itself into a premium brand, but with widespread appeal. Alongside CEO Tim Cook, and previously Jony Ive, Schiller has been one of Apple’s most public faces in the post-Jobs era.