By Prince McLean

Published: 03:00 PM EST (12:00 PM PST)

Apple Inc. later this month will lose one of its most valued sales leaders to retirement, AppleInsider has learned.

In a company e-mail distributed this week, Senior Director of Channel Sales and Distribution, Jeff Hansen, told colleagues that he plans to retire from his post at the Cupertino-based Mac maker effective March 31.

"It is with mixed emotion, I send this final message," he wrote. "Over the past 21 years, I've had the pleasure of working for one of the finest companies one can imagine."

Hansen said he's looking forward to starting the next chapter in his life, which will include touring the country with his wife Jan and spending time with his grandchildren.

When he arrived at Apple over two decades ago, Hansen was tasked with training the reseller channel on how to sell more Mac computers. He eventually emerged as the leader of both the company's Apple Specialist Program and its Regional Retail teams.

"As I think about it today, while the title on my business card has changed many times over the years, my responsibilities have remained very much the same," he wrote.

While Apple seeks Hansen's replacement, Scott Fredrickson, Director, VAR & Distribution, will lead the Apple Specialist Program, and Mike Pinkman, Director, Direct Marketing, will lead the Regional Retail Program.