After almost three decades working for the tech giant, Apple Inc.’s Chief Design Officer Jony Ive has officially departed the company.
In a report by Business Wire, Ive who contributed in the development of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPod among others, has stepped down from Apple to form his own design company with his former employer as one of its primary clients.
“After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer. Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history,” said Ive.
“The team will certainly thrive under the excellent leadership of Evans, Alan and Jeff, who have been among my closest collaborators. I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come,” he added.
Evans Hankey, vice president of Industrial Design; and Alan Dye, vice president of Human Interface Design will report to Apple’s chief operating officer Jeff Williams following Ive’s departure from the company.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, recognized Ive’s role in the company’s revival and stated: “Jony is a singular figure in the design world and his role in Apple’s revival cannot be overstated, from 1998’s groundbreaking iMac to the iPhone and the unprecedented ambition of Apple Park, where recently he has been putting so much of his energy and care.”
“Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built. After so many years working closely together, I’m happy that our relationship continues to evolve and I look forward to working with Jony long into the future,” said Cook.
(Photo source: fortune.com/ cnet.com)
