Apple in turmoil after vice-president resigns

Nigel Turner, Apple’s vice-president of marketing Europe, has resigned at a crucial time for the company.

Diego Piacentini, European general manager will now oversee marketing in Europe until a replacement is found for Turner.

It is understood that Alan Hely, marketing, communications consumer manager for Apple Europe, will now report to Piacentini.

A spokeswoman for Apple says: “It was a huge blow for Apple because Turner has been there a long time.

“He is reviewing his options and plans to spend more time with his family.

“He is known for being an innovator, developing his own marketing programmes and initiatives.”

It is understood that Turner had no job to go to when he quit.

Turner’s departure comes at a crucial time for the company which saw the launch of the iMac – designed to increase the company’s share of the consumer market – in August.

Last week, Apple unveiled its new range of G3 Power Macintosh computers, five new colours for the iMac and expanded its online store to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland and Belgium.

Apple is due to post its fifth consecutive quarter of profits this Wednesday, after a period of two years losses.

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