Apple iCloud exec leaves day before debut

Apple's iCloud has lost one of its key executives the day before the service launches.

John Herbold, senior product manager for the iCloud, has left the company after four years to pursue a career with HealthTeacher, a company which teaches school children how lifestyle changes can prevent many illnesses in the long run.

It is quite a step away from his beginnings at the Cupertino company working on MobileMe and his close relationship with the new iCloud offering, due to launch this week.

Herbold claimed there was nothing untoward about his departure, saying he found the internet's reaction "both quizzical and flattering." Instead, he merely gave praise to Apple.

"I must give a big nod to Apple," he wrote on his personal blog. "It is an incredible company, and I was privileged to have a seat at the table over the past four years."

"I learned a tremendous amount and got to work with amazing people. It's an experience I will always cherish and never forget."

The iCloud was Apple's lead announcement at its WWDC event at the start of the month. Steve Jobs talked the crowds through it during his keynote, detailing how the service will allow Apple users to sync files across iPads, iPhone and iPods and store the data in the cloud.