Apple Inc’s head of iPhone software and its head of retail are to leave the technology company in the biggest shake-up in its executive ranks since Tim Cook became chief executive last year.

Scott Forstall, one of the original architects of the Mac operating system and head of its smartphone software, is to leave next year. Apple said he would serve as an adviser to Mr Cook in the interim.

The company said a search for a new retail chief to replace John Browett was under way and that the retail team would report directly to Mr Cook. Last week Apple Inc delivered a second straight quarter of disappointing financial results, and iPad sales fell short of Wall Street’s targets, marring its record of consistently blowing investors’ expectations.

– (Reuters)