Apple retail head steps down after 6 months

New York -- In a surprise announcement on Tuesday, Apple Inc. said its retail senior VP John Browett abruptly left the company on Monday. Another senior-ranking staffer iOS software senior VP Scott Forstall, will exit next year.



No explanation was given for the executives’ departure, but news reports have suggested that recent missteps made by each could have led to the exits. Browett, who took over the store operations after Ron Johnson left to become CEO at J.C. Penney Co. in November, slashed employees’ hours at Apple's retail stores, a move that Apple quickly reversed. Forstall and his team launched a software update in September that replaced Google Maps with Apple's first mapping application. Unfavorable response led to another Apple apology.



Apple said it is seeking a replacement for Browett. Forstall will act as an advisor to CEO Tim Cook until he leaves, Apple said. His responsibilities will be divided among other Apple veterans.