What immediately caught my eye was the phrase 

Apple® today announced executive management changes that will encourage even more collaboration between the Company’s world-class hardware, software and services teams

That says to me that Scott Forstall was viewed as an obstacle in getting things done.  It didn't help that Apple took some hits to its reputation with Siri and iOS 6 Maps ( both under his management ) .

Jony Ive will provide leadership and direction for Human Interface (HI) across the company in addition to his role as the leader of Industrial Design. His incredible design aesthetic has been the driving force behind the look and feel of Apple’s products for more than a decade.

Putting Jony Ive in charge of all design is huge. I think the last person to have that kind of power was Steve Jobs himself. While I never like to see people lose their jobs, I have felt for the last few months that John Browett was definitely the wrong person to head up Apple Retail ( and he was just fired and not transitioned out like Scott Forstall ).

I think things will be more interesting going forward with Jony Ive in charge of all design as well as both iOS and OSX under Craig Federighi. What I admire about this change is that Apple sends a message to everyone at the company that it doesn't matter how long you have been with the company or your position, everyone is expendable

The full press release