IFOAppleStore is reporting that Apple vice president of retail Jerry McDougal has left the company to spend more time with his family. McDougal was a key player in Apple’s retail development during the last 12 years.
McDougal was Ron Johnson’s right hand man when he was still with the company and was considered a possible replacement for Johnson when he moved on to head JC Penney.
Apple is notorious for the amount of time it requires its employees to spend on the job, especially at the headquarters level. The time commitment increased even more for retail executives last year after Johnson’s departure.
McDougal had also been considered a possible replacement for John Browett, after his firing.
McDougal was in charge of Apple’s retail marketing, product merchandising, store operations, loss prevention and customer loyalty programs.
(UPDATE: 01/16/2013) – According to a report by AllThingsD, McDougal has been replaced by Jim Bean, Apple’s VP of Finance. He will retain his VP title:
“Retail has an incredibly strong network of leaders at the store and regional level, and they will continue the excellent work they’ve done over the past decade to revolutionize retailing with unique, innovative services and a focus on the customer that is second to none,” Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said. “Jim Bean is moving to Retail to help support our store teams. Jim has been at Apple for 15 years and is a great leader who understands our culture and focus on customer service.”
