September 26, 1990: Jean-Louis Gassee Leaves Apple

When Steve Jobs was forced out of Apple, the individual who assumed the lion's share of his responsibilities and power was Jean-Louis Gassee. Smart, blessed with a biting sense of humor and a penchant for leather pants, Gassee was as close to a replacement for Steve Jobs as any company was likely to find.

During his tenure Gassee oversaw the introduction of the less than portable Mac Portable and the much more warmly received Mac II. As was de rigeur at Apple in those days, the Gassee era at Apple wouldn't last long once he fell out of favor with then CEO John Sculley.

After his resignation Gassee went on to found BeOS with Steve Sakoman, a key player in the Newton project. Jean-Louis Gassee left Apple to seek more accommodating pastures this week in 1990.