Apple exec in charge of vehicle program leaves company

Back in September 2015, Apple had asked Zadesky to evaluate the prospect of expanding its 600-employee strong automotive team and come up with a vision for the project.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, one of Apple’s most respected veterans, Steve Zadesky, is allegedly leaving the company; Zadesky, who had prior experience at Ford, had been overseeing Apple’s mysterious auto project for the past few years. Today rumors surrounding the Apple Car continue with a report about the project’s lead. Zadesky’s long-standing association with Apple spans over 16 years, which includes his invaluable contributions to the development of iPhone and iPad, besides leading the ambitious electric vehicle project. The timing of his departure isn’t clear.

The sources also went on to say there are some troubles behind Apple’s closed doors, with the company reportedly pushing its automotive workers to reach deadlines they don’t feel are attainable, as well as reportedly failing to give clear goals for Project Titan. A person familiar the matter confirmed the departure.

Zadesky, who previously worked with iPod and iPhone teams, is leaving the company due to personal reasons and not related to his performance, the WSJ said. Last year, Apple designated the initiative-code-named “Titan”-a committed project and set a ship date of 2019″.