Michael Spindler, Apple's CEO during the 1990s, was responsible for replacing John Sculley and becoming the CEO. He was recruited by Mike Markkula, who recruited him to run Apple's European sales office. Despite initially working without being paid, he was a hard worker who quickly became a significant figure in Apple's history. He also ran Apple's business across Africa, the Middle East, and every one of its European operations. Despite Sculpley's successful tenure, he faced financial difficulties and laid off 2,500 staff. He streamlined Apple and reorganized the company into distinct silos for the Mac operating system and its hardware. Despite this, he remained committed to the job.