Ex-Apple offciial leaves Twitter in less than six months

In a significant development, former Apple public relations executive Natalie Kerris who joined micro-blogging website Twitter in February as Vice President (communications) this year, is leaving - at a time when Twitter is struggling to find new grounds to overcome stalled user growth and stagnated revenues.

In a statement on Tuesday, Twitter confirmed Kerris's departure, saying she helped "share the Twitter story with the world".

"During her time leading communications at Twitter, Natalie helped us share the Twitter story with the world. We are grateful for her energy and enthusiasm and the impact she's had, even in this short time. We wish her all the best," the company said.

Kerris worked at tech giant Apple for 14 years and was responsible for the company's PR during several crucial eras, including the launch of the iPhone, tech website 9to5Mac reported.

Twitter chief marketing officer Leslie Berland will take over Kerris's role.

The move comes at a time Twitter wants to tell the world a positive growth story.

In a bid to regain footing in the social media landscape, micro-blogging site Twitter recently appointed Bret Taylor -- former chief technology officer at Facebook and an ex-Google employee who helped build Google Maps -- to its board.

Since Jack Dorsey taking over as Twitter CEO, the company has hired several new board members like British internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox, Pepsi CFO Hugh Johnston and BET CEO Debra Lee.

The 10-year-old Twitter is facing stalled user growth and growing competition for quite some time.

Twitter is going through a major overhaul under Dorsey as many top-notch executives have quit the company in the recent past.

In July last year, when Kerris' predecessor Gabriel Stricker left the company, Twitter said: "It continues to be essential that we show the world the value of Twitter. Communications is a key component of that, and to help build toward a stronger future, we are looking now to shift our communications strategy and direction."

--IANS

na/ksk