Apple Announces Retirement Of Vice President Of Worldwide Sales

In a surprise announcement to day, Apple has announced that Mitch Mandich, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, will be retiring in December of this year. Mr. Mandich came to Apple in 1997 from NeXT when that company was purchased by Apple. No reason was given by Apple for the departure, but the companyis press release includes warm comments from Steve Jobs, Appleis CEO. According to Apple:

Apple® (Nasdaq: AAPL - news) today announced that Mitch Mandich, senior vice president of Worldwide Sales, will be retiring from Apple at the end of December.

"Mitch has been a key member of Appleis senior management team during the past three years, and has led our sales efforts with vigor and integrity," said Steve Jobs, Appleis CEO. "Mitch plans to retire and spend more time with his family. We will miss him."

The company has a search underway for Mandichis replacement. Tim Cook, Appleis senior vice president of Operations, will assume Mandichis responsibilities until a replacement is named.

You can read Mr. Mandichis Executive Profile at Appleis Web site. From that Profile:

Mandich was previously senior vice president of North American Sales. Prior to that position he was vice president of Appleis North America Business Division. Before joining Apple in February 1997, he was vice president of Worldwide Sales and Services at NeXT Software where he developed and led the strategy for Internet and client/server sales to enterprise customers. Mandich brings with him more than 15 years experience in the client/server industry.

Before joining NeXT, Mandich served as senior vice president of Americas Sales and Marketing at Pyramid Technology, a SIEMENS Nixdorf Company, where he led the company to growth and profitability.

You can find more information about Apple at their Web site.