Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) hired Marc Newson, the distinguished Australian industrial designer as senior vice president of design to work on its future products.
Newson is a close friend and collaborator of Jony Ive, the head of the Design Group of the Cupertino-based tech giant. Newson and Ive recently worked together in designing a number of unique products for the (RED) benefits auction organized by U2 singer Bono to fight AIDs in Africa.
The appointment of Newson came a few days prior to the official launching of the next generation iPhones and probably the iWatch of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) on September 9. Newson will join Apple’s secretive design group, composed of approximately 20 people.
Apple: Newson will be based in U.K.
According to Vanity Fair, Newson will be based in the United Kingdom, and he will frequently travel to the headquarters of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). A spokesperson for the tech giant confirmed his appointment, but refused to provide details whether he has involvement in the design of the upcoming products that will be announced tomorrow.
“One most influential designers”
In a statement, Ive describes Newson as “one of the most influential designers of this generation” and “extraordinarily talented.” According to him, “We are particularly excited to formalize our collaboration as we enjoy working together so much and have found our partnership so effective.”
On the other hand, Newson said, “I’m full of admiration and respect for the extraordinary design work that has been produced by Jony and the team at Apple. My close friendship with Jony has not only given me a unique insight into that process, but the opportunity to work together with him and the people that have been responsible. I am enormously proud to join them.”
Some of the products designed by Newson were showcased in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He designed the plane seats for the Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) and the concept cars for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F). He also designed different watches and furniture pieces.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) recently hired several high-profile executives from the fashion industry including Angela Ahrendts, the former CEO of Burberry Group Plc (LON:BRBY) as head of its Retail business and Paul Deneve, the former CEO of Yves St Laurent SA to work on special projects.
