Apple’s head of comms is leaving after lower than a yr

Apple is famend for a tradition of secrecy, one which’s managed in no small half by the corporate’s head of communications. But it’s had a tough time filling that function, with the newest entrant — Stella Low, formerly Cisco’s PR chief — now leaving after lower than a yr on the job.

Fifteen-year Apple vet Kristin Huguet Quayle is taking up, according to journalist Kara Swisher and BuzzFeed’s John Paczkowski. Apple confirmed to BuzzFeed that she’s been promoted efficient instantly, as Low leaves to spend extra time along with her household. The earlier comms boss, Steve Dowling, left in September 2019, and Apple left the function open for practically two years earlier than hiring Low final May. (During that point, long-time Apple advertising and App Store boss Phil Schiller reportedly stood in.)

Between Dowling and Low, Apple grew to become the world’s most respected publicly traded firm, bought itself into the (ongoing) Epic v. Apple lawsuit, and have become embroiled in all types of scrutiny from antitrust enforcers, builders, and its personal staff — those that might perhaps convey its fortress of secrecy toppling down.

Apple’s PR chief earlier than that, Katie Cotton, set the tone for the corporate’s communications for 18 years. Apple was reportedly on the lookout for a “friendlier, more approachable” successor after she left. I’m curious if the corporate’s relationship with the press will change once more now.