DJ Novotney first started at Apple in June 1999, and now he’s been lured away by electric-car-maker Rivian.
Over his two decades with the company, he helped design many iconic Apple products, including iPod, iPhone, iPad and more.
Apple VP of Engineering drives off to Rivian
Novotney was most recently VP of Engineering, a position he held for ten years. Previously, he’d been Senior Director iOS Devices, and manager of new iPod projects before that. He left the company for several years starting in 2007.
During his time as a VP he helped launch Project Titan, Apple’s efforts to create a self-driving electric vehicle, according to Bloomberg. That helps explain why he’s headed or Rivian, an EV-maker.
When Novotney announced his departure on Friday, he told coworkers:
“Great products are what we do best and I have been so very lucky along the way to be part of so many amazing teams that developed everything from iPod, iPhone, iPad, Watch and so many more. Apple has been my life, but now is the time for me to move on and help bring to life a new set of products.”
Other high-level Apple execs leaving in recent months include Tang Tan, VP of product design for iPhone and Apple Watch, left for Jony Ive’s LoveFrom, which has a history of poaching Apple designers. And Steve Hotelling, VP of Touch ID, Face ID, and displays, announced his retirement in December.
