Apple Corp CEO Neil Aspinall has stepped down from his position after more than forty years with the Beatles-founded company. A childhood friend of both Paul McCartney and George Harrison, Aspinall began his career as road manager for the Beatles, during which period his duties included driving the group and their equipment to and from gigs in his old Commer van. When new road manager Mal Evans started work for the fab four, Aspinall graduated to the role of personal assistant. He was promoted to an executive position at Apple Corp in 1970.
It's not clear what motivated Aspinall to leave the company, with a statement revealing only that the CEO has "decided to move on." He will be replaced as head of the company by newcomer Jeff Jones, who has been at SonyBMG since 1995. Industry insiders are surprised by the move, as it introduces an outsider to the traditionally very private Apple Corps executive. Sources suggest, however, that Jones is renowned for his handling of back catalogue, which would explain why he was earmarked for the role, given the company's moves to finally release the Beatles catalogue online.