The Apple executive who, over the years, had contributed ot the crafting of the first iPhone and numerous other devices of the company – the chief design officer of Apple Jonathan Ive, is slated to leave the company later this year.

Ive was a part of the design team of Apple since 1996. According to a statement issued by him, he would be leaving the company “to form an independent design company which will count Apple among its primary clients.”  The name of the new startup is LoveFrom. The new venture would also have the famed designer Marc Newson. Ive would still continue to work “on a range of projects with Apple” even though he would no longer be holding the executive position in Apple, said Ive and the company.

“Apple will continue to benefit from Jony’s talents by working directly with him on exclusive projects, and through the ongoing work of the brilliant and passionate design team he has built,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release. “After so many years working closely together, I’m happy that our relationship continues to evolve and I look forward to working with Jony long into the future.”

A large range of products from Apple – which include the a wide range of Macs, the iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, etc. had the touch of Ive – who is considered to be among the most respected industrial designers in the tech world. Apple’s “spaceship” Apple Park campus and establishing the look and feel of Apple retail stores also had significant contribution from Ive.

In his most recent creations, Ive was seen explaining a design for a new Mac Pro which is slated ot be launched later this year. Ive has also had a significant role in the reshaping of Apple’s software in addition to playing a critical role in designing of Apple’s hardware. In 2013, he was instrumental in launching of the drastically revamped iOS 7 and implanted similar changes in software of Apple’s desktop which is also known as the MacOS.

Evans Hankey, its current vice president of industrial design, and Alan Dye, VP of human interface design, will now report to Jeff Williams, who “will spend more of his time working with the design team in their studio,” Apple says.

“After nearly 30 years and countless projects, I am most proud of the lasting work we have done to create a design team, process and culture at Apple that is without peer,” Ive said. “Today it is stronger, more vibrant and more talented than at any point in Apple’s history. The team will certainly thrive under the excellent leadership of Evans, Alan and Jeff, who have been among my closest collaborators. I have the utmost confidence in my designer colleagues at Apple, who remain my closest friends, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

The founder of Apple – Steve Jobs had a close working and personal relationship with Ive after he returned to lead his company in 1997. The iMac was amongst the first products that Ive and Jobs had designed together.

(Adapted from TheVerge.com)