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Katie Cotton, who was best known for her role as the head of Apple’s public relations during the Steve Jobs era, has passed away at the age of 58. After serving as the company’s PR lead for over two decades, Cotton retired from her position at Apple in 2014. Her passing on Thursday, April 6, 2023, has left many in the tech industry mourning the loss of a respected and admired figure.
Tech journalist Walt Mossberg, who had worked closely with Cotton during her time at Apple, expressed his condolences on Twitter, describing her as a “formidable figure” and a “key partner” of Steve Jobs. As per Mossberg, Jobs relied heavily on Cotton’s judgment during her tenure at the company.
In a statement to Bloomberg, Apple expressed its deep sadness over Cotton’s passing, describing her as an extraordinary person who made countless contributions during her two-decade career at the company. The statement also noted that the thoughts of everyone at Apple were with Cotton’s loved ones and everyone who had the opportunity to work with her.
For some journalists, however, Cotton will always be remembered as the person who helped establish a culture of secrecy within Apple. During her time at the company, Apple became known for its tightly controlled product launches and strict confidentiality policies.
Cotton herself acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Apple when she retired in 2014. “This is hard for me,” she said at the time. “Apple is a part of my heart”. She added that she wanted to spend time with her children for some time.
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Kristin Huguet Quayle, who joined Apple’s Communications team in 2005, succeeded Cotton as the company’s vice president of communications. Reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook, Huguet Quayle led the Corporate PR team for seven years and has been serving as the current vice president of communications at Apple.
Katie Cotton’s contributions to Apple’s success during her tenure will always be remembered, and her passing is a significant loss for the tech industry.
