Long-time Apple Corps chief leaves

LONDON, April 11 (UPI) -- Niel Aspinhall, school chum of Paul McCartney and the late George Harrison, has left Apple Corps, which manages the commercial interests of the Beatles.

Aspinhall, a long-time friend and one-time road manager for the Fab Four, walked out as chief executive Tuesday following "differences" between him and the board, The Sun reported Wednesday.

Apple Corps was interested in making "as much money as possible" from the Beatles, an insider told the Sun. "Neil was against making the Beatles a cash cow."

Aspinhall was replaced by Jeff Jones, executive vice president at Legacy Recordings-Sony BMG Catalog Worldwide, The (London) Independent said.

Apple Corps is owned by McCartney, Ringo Starr; John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, and Harrison's estate.