Apple said Ms Ahrendts will leave the company in April "for new personal and professional pursuits".

She is one of its highest paid executives, earning nearly twice as much as boss Tim Cook in 2017.

Ms Ahrendts will be replaced by Deirdre O'Brien, whose role as vice president of people will expand to cover retail.

During her time at Apple, Ms Ahrendts opened a number of flagship stores, aimed at creating a "community space" as opposed to just selling the firm's latest product.

Mr Cook said: "She has been a positive, transformative force, both for Apple's stores and the communities they serve. We all wish her the very best as she begins a new chapter."

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