The company lost not one, but two key staffers this week, including Zane Rowe

May 8, 2014 08:49 GMT  ·  By

Apple is waving goodbye to Katie Cotton and Zane Rowe, two key staffers who helped shape the company into what it is today. Cotton’s departure is most notable, as she will be leaving her position as head of PR after 18 years on the job.

Apple spokesman Steve Dowling confirmed Cotton’s planned departure stating, “Katie has given her all to this company for over 18 years. She has wanted to spend time with her children for some time now. We are really going to miss her.”

Cotton later told Code/red that she didn’t want to leave Apple but had to make a choice. “This is hard for me,” she said. “Apple is a part of my heart and soul.”

Coincidentally, Apple this week is also letting Zane Rowe go. He worked as North American head of sales for about two years and the reason for his departure is unknown.

Formerly the Chief Financial Officer of United Continental airlines, Rowe worked there for 19 years before taking up his stint at Apple. His North America sales duties will be taken over by Doug Beck, Apple’s current head of sales for Japan and Korea.

Rowe is known to have been in charge of Apple's enterprise and educational sales, as well as the company’s partnership with US and Canadian carriers.