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Veteran Apple public relations executive Natalie Kerris is leaving the company after 14 years after losing a bid to secure the top communications job.
Kerris oversaw the launches of such iconic Apple products as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and, most recently, ApplePay and the Apple Watch. She worked alongside the company’s late chief executive, Steve Jobs, whom she invoked in a tweet announcing her departure.
https://twitter.com/nataliekerris/status/590966947338002433
Kerris sought to succeed longtime Apple PR head Katie Cotton, who retired last year. Corporate public relations chief Steve Dowling was formally named vice president of communications last week after a period of serving in the role on an interim basis.
Kerris issued a brief statement, saying she had reached her decision to retire and “enjoy life” after spending two weeks with her family in Italy.
This article originally appeared on Recode.net.