Dive Brief:

• Apple Inc. Thursday said that J. Crew CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler will retire March 10 from the company’s board.

• Drexler has served on Apple’s board since 1999, when Steve Jobs tapped him to help guide the company’s retail operations. Apple opened its first store in 2001.

• Drexler has been on the board longer than anyone serving there now. His replacement hasn’t been named.

Dive Insight:

Mickey Drexler joined Apple’s board when he was CEO of the Gap and when Apple’s retail operations were barely a gleam in Steve Jobs’ eye. Since then the company has become known for its brick-and-mortar retail success. The vacancy will leave Apple with just seven directors and gives CEO Tim Cook an opportunity to shape the board.