York helped revive Apple in last decade

Apple Board of Directors member and Harwinton Capital chief Jerry York died on Thursday at the age of 71. The executive had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage at his Pontiac, Michigan home a day earlier. He had been rushed to hospital and was in critical condition during his stay.

The executive joined Apple's board in 1997 and was widely seen as an important part of the company's return to form after Steve Jobs returned at a similar time. In a statement, Jobs commemorated York's accomplishments.

"Jerry joined Apple's Board in 1997 when most doubted the company’s future," the Apple CEO said. "He has been a pillar of financial and business expertise and insight on our Board for over a dozen years. It’s been a privilege to know and work with Jerry, and I’m going to miss him a lot."

York had a reputation for improving fiscal performance and helped both Chrysler and IBM as part of his career. He also had a short but high-profile tenure on the board at GM in 2006 and left after the company refused his calls to sell off unnecessary brands. The company's unwillingness to do so has widely been blamed for its brief bankruptcy and ultimately led the company to do what he asked, dissolving Hummer and Pontiac as well as selling off Saab.

Our condolences go out to Jerry's widow, Eilene York, and the rest of the family.

by MacNN Staff