More leadership changes are taking place at Apple Inc. The iPhone maker’s Vice President of Communications Steve Dowling will be leaving the company at the end of next month in what is the latest in a series of unexpected executive departures.

Recode first reported the news today, saying that Dowling (pictured) will remain at the company until next month to assist in a transition of his responsibilities to Senior Vice President of Marketing Phil Schiller, who will serve as interim communications manager.

Dowling said in a memo to employees that he intends to spend a “good, long stretch of time off” work with his family, before “eventually trying something new.” He added that the time he spent at Apple was the highlight of his career.

Apple will reportedly consider both internal and external candidates to replace Dowling, whose main job is to handle public relations at the highly secretive company. It’s no easy task, since Apple has faced a ton of criticism in recent years over issues such as privacy, the treatment of Chinese workers at its manufacturing partners and its refusal to enable the FBI to access encrypted iPhones in terrorist investigations. More recently, Apple has faced some tough questions over its ability to keep innovating and growing its business, with a general decline in the smartphone market leading to fewer iPhone sales in recent quarters.

“Steve Dowling has been dedicated to Apple for more than 16 years and has contributed to the company at every level through many of its most significant moments,” Apple said in a statement. “From the first iPhone and App Store to Apple Watch and AirPods, he has helped tell Apple’s story and share our values with the world. Following another successful product launch, he has decided to leave Apple to spend some much deserved time with his family. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will serve the company well into the future. We’re grateful to him for all that he’s given to Apple and wish him the best.”

Dowling is one of several high-profile executives to have quit Apple in recent months. Just five days ago, Disney chief Bob Iger, who served on Apple’s board of directors, said he was stepping down because of a potential conflict of interest between Apple’s and Disney’s respective new video streaming services. Others, including Apple Chief Design Officer Jonathan Ive and retail chief Angela Ahrendts, also left the company earlier this year.

Photo: Apple