Apple Corps, guardian of the Beatles' commercial interests, says its chief executive, a long time friend of the Fab Four, has quit.

Neil Aspinall, a school chum of Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison, was the band's first road manager and would drive them between gigs in his van.

He later became their personal assistant and in 1968 was given a management role at Apple Records, the band's own record label.

Neil Aspinall, now 64, was executive producer on the massive-selling Beatles Anthology album and was behind other successes, including the Beatles One album.

His departure as chief executive was announced in a statement today that also said Jeff Jones, a former executive vice president at Sony BMG, has been appointed as his replacement.

No reason was given about why Neil Aspinall had decided to quit.

"This is astonishing news," said former Apple press officer
Geoff Baker.

"Neil was the fifth Beatle and the architect of all the Beatles' success over the past 15 or 20 years. I can't see how the Beatles' legacy will be looked after as well without him, and I'm amazed that Paul and Ringo are letting this happen."

The Apple statement said Neil Aspinall "had been with John, Paul, George and Ringo for a spectacular 40 plus years, during which he played an indispensable role for the four. He was there since the inception of the band in Liverpool and has meant so much to the Beatles' family for all these years, and still does.

"However, he has decided to move on. Apple as a whole, and each member of this company, wishes him great success in whatever endeavour he chooses to pursue in the future."

Source: AP