Katie Cotton , who was Apple ’s Vice President of worldwide communication for 18 years until she hit the sack from the party in May 2014 , died on April 6 . Herobituarystates that she pop off peacefully “ wall by kin and close-fitting friends . ” bear in 1965 , she was 57 .
Cotton was well - known as one of the drawing card in public relative and merchandising , get together Apple in 1996 , shortly after the comeback of Jobs . She was implemental in shaping Apple ’s communication strategy and the civilisation of secretiveness in the troupe . Cotton was make out for her rough ascendency of how Apple was portrayed by the military press and was also the door guard who controlled access to Apple ’s late chief executive officer and co - founder Steve Jobs .
She died in hospital and although the cause of death has n’t been confirm , her former hubby Michael MimelestoldThe New York Times that she had experienced complications from heart OR she underwent a few years ago .
“ We ’re deep saddened by Katie ’s passage , ” Apple say in a statement toBloomberg . “ She was an extraordinary soul and she made numberless contributions over the form of her two - tenner career at Apple . Our thoughts are with her loved ones and everyone who had the opportunity to make for with her . ” Apple ’s current vice Chief Executive of worldwide communicating is Kristin Huguet Quayle , who has been with the company since 2005 .
Since her retirement , which was to permit her to pass more time with her family , Cotton had been raise awareness for genial health educational activity for child by volunteer in local community of interests arrangement . She is survived by her small fry , Ethan and Isabelle Mimeles , and life story partner Jim Wells .