iPod VP Fadell Changing Roles at Apple [Updated]

by , 8:05 AM EST, November 4th, 2008

Apple announced on Tuesday that iPod division senior vice president Tony Fadell is pulling back on his role in the company for personal reasons. While Mr. Fadell cuts back on his involvement, former IBM exec Mark Papermaster will be coming on board as senior vice president of Devices Hardware Engineering.

Mr. Fadell's wife Danielle Lambert, vice president of Human Resources, is also taking a smaller role in Apple's day to day activities and plans to resign after the end of the year so the two can spend more time with their family.

Mr. Fadell was also part of the team that helped develop the iPhone, Apple's popular combination iPod and smartphone. He will stay on with the company as an advisor to CEO Steve Jobs.

Mr. Papermaster, however, may not be able to join Apple right away. IBM is currently suing him for what it sees as a violation of his non-compete contract which states he won't work for any competitors for at least a year after he leaves the company. Mr. Papermaster left IBM on October 24 with plans to begin working at Apple in November.

[This article has been updated with additional information about Mr. Fadell's new role at Apple.]