Jerry McDougal, Apple VP of Retail, Departs Apple [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Apple vice president of retail Jerry McDougal, a key player in Apple's retail development over the past 12 years, has departed the company to spend more time with his family, reports IFOAppleStore.

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.

A key player in the birth of Apple's retail chain and a potential candidate to lead the retail stores has left the company. Jerry McDougal, Vice-President of Retail, said goodbye to his colleagues last Friday, sources say. His departure was explained as not work-related, but rather so he could spend more time with his family. Apple notoriously requires an enormous commitment of time from its employees, especially at the headquarters level. That commitment increased even more for retail executives after last year's departure of Ron Johnson.

McDougal was also considered as a possible replacement for John Browett after he was fired earlier this year.

IFOAppleStore notes that McDougal was responsible for Apple's retail marketing, product merchandising, store operations, loss prevention and customer loyalty programs.

Update: McDougal has been replaced by Jim Bean, Apple's VP of Finance, according to a report by AllThingsD. 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."

Article Link: Jerry McDougal, Apple VP of Retail, Departs Apple [Updated]

[MMOTotal]

Who actually runs Apple retail now ?

[Sabenth]

Originally Posted by MMOTotal

Who actually runs Apple retail now ?

no one now

[MMOTotal]

Originally Posted by Sabenth

no one now

Oh, I hope they find someone better than John Browett, no idea what Apple was thinking when they hired him for the job.

[TouchMint.com]

Yea lots of departing lately =/

[jaw04005]

The biggest question is why was this guy passed up twice to run Apple Retail (and finally replace Johnson)?

[KPOM]

I'm guessing he was told he wasn't going to run the retail operation. Apple does need to find the right person, and the sooner the better.

[BC2009]

I'm guessing he wanted the head job and Cook said no and so he left.

[Andrei90]

So Tim Cook had a VP with 12 years of experience but he chose to go with browett? I would be offended. It only took one year for Tim Cook to destroy Apple. Brilliant!

[BRLawyer]

Originally Posted by MMOTotal

Who actually runs Apple retail now ?

Microsoft BOB.

[canesalato]

Originally Posted by Andrei90

So Tim Cook had a VP with 12 years of experience but he chose to go with browett? I would be offended. It only took one year for Tim Cook to destroy Apple. Brilliant!

I'm starting to think that if not totally right, you are not totally wrong either...

[BRLawyer]

Originally Posted by canesalato

I'm starting to think that if not totally right, you are not totally wrong either...

It's clear that Cook should have NEVER left his COO position - he is good for supply chain issues and ONLY that.

The moment he assumed CEO responsibilities, he lost control of his own boat (just see iMac and iPhone supply problems).

The only possible worst choice than him would be Michael Spindler, trust me.

[rmwebs]

Originally Posted by Andrei90

So Tim Cook had a VP with 12 years of experience but he chose to go with browett? I would be offended. It only took one year for Tim Cook to destroy Apple. Brilliant!

Didn't realise that you, as an armchair expert knew every single detail here. Care to share them with the rest of us?

[oldMac]

When you're second in command and you don't get promoted to the top spot it requires that you either:

a) Leave

-- or --

b) Put your ego on the shelf.

Sounds like he couldn't manage to do #b twice. And it really does make one wonder why he was #2 if management felt he wasn't the right person to take over for #1 if #1 departed.

[jimbo1mcm]

They actually said he wanted to spend more time with his family? Hysterical.

[Kwill]

Paid well for his services, thank you. It is wise to pause and spend time with family. Sure, he could work harder and longer accumulating more wealth as Jobs did. Life != wealth.

[Rogifan]

LOL Tim Cook probably has more talent, smarts and common sense in his pinky finger than most people here. But of course everyone else knows better.

[BRLawyer]

Originally Posted by Rogifan

LOL Tim Cook probably has more talent, smarts and common sense in his pinky finger than most people here. But of course everyone else knows better.

I am sure everyone said the same thing of Mr Spindler back then.

[Rogifan]

Originally Posted by jimbo1mcm

They actually said he wanted to spend more time with his family? Hysterical.

Yeah because it's impossible to get burned out working for Apple.

----------

Originally Posted by BRLawyer

I am sure everyone said the same thing of Mr Spindler back then.

You do realize it was the godly Steve Jobs who recommended Tim Cook replace him as CEO.

[BRLawyer]

Originally Posted by Rogifan

You do realize it was the godly Steve Jobs who recommended Tim Cook replace him as CEO.

Absolutely. He was also behind the Apple ///.

[ekdor]

Reading between the lines. Another undervalued worker leaves.

[johncrab]

This bigger picture here is that Tim Cook obviously has bigger and better ideas for Apple retail. Whenever I see someone leaving to "spend more time with his family" I know that's a smokescreen. Whatever the reason for this departure, the broom is moving through retail. Face it. It's become stagnant. It needs new energy. I find myself shopping online rather than going to the stores as I used to. I think we're about to see Retail V2.

[foobarbaz]

Earlier this year? You realize it's 2013…

[krravi]

Originally Posted by MMOTotal

Who actually runs Apple retail now ?

Tim Cook most probably.

[MrDc2]

Originally Posted by jimbo1mcm

They actually said he wanted to spend more time with his family? Hysterical.

That probably was his statement. Bowing out with dignity and grace rather than trying to tarnish Apple and destroy any chance he would have to return in the future. All speculation of course. ( On my part )