Johnson Exit Leaves Apple Without Retail Head Amid Expansion
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Ron Johnson’s departure from Apple Inc. leaves the company searching for a top retail executive as it focuses on expanding internationally to fuel growth and hold on to its edge in consumer electronics.
Johnson, who helped design the first Apple stores that opened in 2001, leaves after more than a decade to take over at department store J.C. Penney Co. on Nov. 1. His exit comes at a time when Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs, on medical leave since January, also isn’t involved full-time.