Apple’s Man in Japan Quits

CUPERTINO, Calif. — The president of Apple Computer Inc.’s Japanese operation, Frank Seiji Sanda, has abruptly quit the company.

His departure is the second by a key Apple executive recently, and comes at a critical time as the company tries to hold onto its position as the world’s third-largest personal computer maker.

Sanda, 46, had been with Apple for less than a year. Several other Apple Japan executives have left the company in the last several years.

Japanese press reports said Sanda quit over differences about management policy, though the company would not confirm that.