HTC's innovation chief bids adieu

Horace Luke was HTC's chief innovation officer

(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET )

HTC today confirmed its chief innovation officer, instrumental in helping build the company into the consumer brand it is today, left the company for "personal reasons."

Horace Luke, who HTC said "nurtured a culture of innovation," left in April. Scott Croyle, vice president of design, took over his responsibilities.

BGR.com first reported the departure earlier today.

A company representative declined to specify what personal reasons meant.

Luke, based in Taiwan, helped push designs that were focused on the consumer, according to a company statement. The innovation culture helped foster the development of the Sense user interface, which has been key to the company's move from a unbranded smartphone manufacturer to a growing consumer brand.