In a sudden, surprising move, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters are both reporting that Tony Fadell (yes, that Tony Fadell), the now former senior VP of the iPod Division, is leaving the company.
Apple has now confirmed the move, and the fact that Fadell will be replaced by Mark Papermaster who recently left IBM, triggering a lawsuit from Big Blue. Papermaster’s title is senior vice president of Devices Engineering, which is in charge of the hardware for both the iPod and iPhone.
Reports the WSJ:
[Fadell] was also part of the executive team involved in the development of the iPhone, which has become the fastest growing part of Apple’s business. People familiar with the matter said Mr. Fadell planned to take time off after leaving the company though he may still keep a role at Apple as a consultant.
Fadell is indeed staying on as a consultant to the CEO. However, Fadell’s wife, Danielle Lambert, who also works at Apple as vice president of Human Resources, is leaving the company for good. Apple’s press release says that they’re both leaving to “devote more time to their young family.” We wish them both the best of luck.
