CUPERTINO, CA— Apple’s global comms lead Katie Cotton is stepping down after nearly two decades with the iconic company.

Cotton is often credited with being the behind-the-scenes force that helped generate the mystique around Apple’s products and its late chief and co-founder Steve Jobs. She’s also been described as the “gatekeeper” and an influential advisor to both Jobs and his successor Tim Cook.

It is being reported that Cotton is leaving the company to spend time with her children. Apple has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Cotton’s replacement.