The Apple world according to Markkula: an 'unknown' co-founder leaves after 20 years of glory and turmoil
Article Abstract:
Former Apple co-founder Armas Clifford (Mike) Markkula played a significant but behind-the-scenes role in the company's fluctuating development. Some think that Markkula, who left Apple in an Aug 1997 board reorganization, offered only a mature perspective to the irreverent Apple culture. Markkula is a savvy engineer whose decisions sharply influenced the company that he founded with Steve Wozniak and Steven Jobs in 1977. Among Markkula's contributions were the floppy disk drive and early software program designs. Markkula served Apple as chairman, president, board member and vice chairman, but he may have demonstrated more skills in informal hacker-entrepreneurial situations. He frequently detected problems in Apple hardware and software before their shipment, early Apple employees said. Markkula, who holds the second-highest number of Apple shares, denies that an earlier rift with Jobs led to his departure.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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Apple chief executive seeks more time to aid company
Article Abstract:
Apple CEO Gilbert F. Amelio addressed shareholders with the best speech he has given since joining the company in 1996, as he asked for more time to restore the company to sustained profitability. Some shareholders appeared reassured by the speech, although Amelio announced no new initiatives. Amelio said the company planned an aggressive marketing campaign and criticized Apple for its previous marketing efforts. Amelio also said that all bonuses, cash or stock, will be suspended until the company is once again profitable. The speech, given on Feb 5, 1997, came one day after Apple began a reorganization that included the promotion of Guerrino De Luca to head of global marketing. Amelio declined to say how many jobs would be cut in the restructuring, but he did say the company would retreat from specific businesses instead of cutting back across the entire company.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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