Marketing Chief Quits Apple After 7 Months

Apple Computer Inc. said marketing chief Guerrino De Luca resigned after only seven months on the job, the latest in a series of executive changes at the struggling computer maker. De Luca, 44, an appointee of ousted Chief Executive Gilbert Amelio, said his resignation is “a personal decision which does not reflect my assessment of the company’s prospects.” De Luca’s departure comes a day after the Cupertino-based computer maker said its board decided to name co-founder Steve Jobs interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found. Before becoming marketing chief, De Luca was head of Apple’s Claris software subsidiary. He had joined the company in 1988 as marketing manager for Apple Italy after having worked for 11 years at Olivetti, the Italian information technology group. Apple said its board expects to name a new CEO by year-end. Apple shares fell 13 cents to close at $21.81 on Nasdaq.