Mr Joe Gantly is stepping down as Apple Computer's managing director of European operations after six years at the helm.

A native of Dublin, Mr Gantly (48) said that his resignation was to allow him to concentrate on other business activities, but he declined to specify what exactly his plans were.

"I am evaluating a number of external options", said Mr Gantly, adding that his departure from Apple was entirely amicable and he would continue to work with the company for a number of months before departing.

Mr Gantly is chairman designate of the proposed board of Cork airport but he confirmed that his resignation has nothing to do with that appointment.

"My resignation is nothing at all to do with that and my commitment to the airport remains firm," said Mr Gantly, adding that he hoped to be in situ on the new board by April 2005 which is the final date for approval of the business plans for the airport by the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy.

"I am very happy that the Bill to allow the creation of separate boards for both Cork and Shannon Airport was passed in the Seanad today. It is very welcome news," he said.

Mr Gantly had worked for the last 15 years at Apple Computers which set up its plant at Hollyhill in Cork in 1980 and which currently employs over 1,500 people.

Mr Gantly joined Apple as the systems operations manager with responsibility for the production of Apple's range of products supplied in Europe.

In the mid-1990s Mr Gantly headed a management team that conducted a strategic assessment of Apple's Irish operations. Following this much of the company's lower-value operations were re-located out of Ireland, but these have been replaced by new functions brought to Cork, including European accounting, technical support and direct sales.