Apple's Chief People Officer to step down amid several leadership departures at tech giant

Apple's Chief People Officer, Carol Surface, is set to leave the company after serving in the role for less than two years. 

She joined Apple in 2023 from Medtronic, a medical hardware company, where she held a similar role overseeing human resources. As Apple's Chief People Officer, Surface had a critical role in managing the company's workforce of more than 160,000 employees. 

Reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook, Surface oversaw key areas of Apple's HR, including recruitment, employee relations, inclusion, diversity initiatives, and organizational development.

Her tenure at Apple was marked by a period of heightened scrutiny around employee relations, particularly as the tech giant navigated evolving workplace expectations in the post-pandemic era. Surface was responsible for spearheading efforts to ensure employee well-being, foster a culture of inclusivity, and manage recruitment in a highly competitive labor market, especially as Apple expanded its global operations.

However, Surface’s abrupt exit has surprised many in the industry, especially given the relatively short duration of her stay. Apple employees were notified of her departure on Wednesday. The news, first reported by Bloomberg, marks another significant executive departure as Apple continues to experience shifts in its leadership team.

Apple's Response to the Leadership Change

Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail and People, will take over Surface’s responsibilities. O’Brien had previously led the HR team before Surface’s arrival and will now assume the dual role of managing Apple's retail operations and overseeing the human resources division once again. Known for her long-standing tenure at Apple and close working relationship with Cook, O’Brien’s expanded responsibilities underscore the company’s confidence in her leadership.

Apple's leadership transitions come at a time when the company is facing both internal and external challenges, including managing employee expectations around remote work, navigating regulatory scrutiny, and addressing new growth opportunities like the Vision Pro and other cutting-edge technologies.

Broader Executive Departures at Apple

Surface’s exit is part of a broader trend of executive changes at Apple. Within just the past few months, several high-ranking executives have announced their departures or role shifts, signaling a period of significant change at the highest levels of the company’s leadership.

In September, Matt Fischer, head of Apple’s App Store, announced his departure after 21 years at the company. Fischer made the announcement on LinkedIn, saying that now was the “right moment to pass the baton” as Apple reorganizes his team to handle new challenges and opportunities. His departure is particularly noteworthy, given the App Store’s central role in Apple’s service revenue stream and its ongoing battles over app store regulations and competition with developers.

Meanwhile, Apple’s Chief Financial Officer, Luca Maestri, is also set to step down from his role in January 2025. Maestri, who has been a key figure in steering Apple’s financial strategies over the past decade, will continue to work with the company, reporting to Cook as head of Apple's information systems and technology as well as real estate development. Kevan Parekh, Apple’s Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, will succeed Maestri in the CFO role.

The company is also seeing transitions in its engineering leadership. Dan Riccio, Apple’s Vice President of Engineering and head of the team behind its Vision Pro product, is expected to retire after more than 26 years at the company. Bloomberg cited sources familiar with the matter, indicating that Riccio’s departure comes after having played a pivotal role in Apple’s latest foray into mixed reality devices.

Additionally, Dan Rosckes, who led Apple’s global supply chain procurement efforts, is retiring after a 24-year career at the company. Rosckes' departure further highlights the ongoing changes within Apple’s operational ranks, particularly as supply chain management remains a core focus for the company in an increasingly volatile global market.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

While there is no single explanation for the recent wave of leadership exits, some experts believe the timing coincides with Apple’s efforts to navigate the complex challenges posed by the shifting economic landscape, increased competition, and evolving technological demands. The company is also undergoing strategic shifts, especially with its expansion into augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) products, like the Vision Pro, which require specialized leadership and engineering expertise.

Another contributing factor could be the shifting dynamics of the post-pandemic workplace. As Apple grapples with a hybrid work model and increased employee expectations around flexibility, executives tasked with managing these transitions may face additional pressures. For instance, Apple has been vocal about its preference for in-office work, which has sometimes caused friction between leadership and employees who prefer more flexible arrangements.

Moreover, some of these transitions could reflect Apple’s desire to bring in fresh perspectives as it looks to the future. With the company focusing on areas like AI, AR/VR, and enhanced privacy features, there’s a growing need for leaders who are not only seasoned in tech but also have a forward-thinking approach to navigating the complexities of new market opportunities.

The Road Ahead for Apple

Apple’s leadership changes come at a crucial time. The company continues to lead the tech world in terms of innovation and financial performance, but it also faces growing challenges in terms of competition, regulation, and talent retention.

With Carol Surface’s departure, Apple will need to ensure a smooth transition in its HR leadership, particularly as the company seeks to maintain its reputation as an industry leader in employee relations, inclusion, and diversity.

The tech giant is also bracing for the launch of new products and initiatives, including the highly anticipated Vision Pro, which could further cement its dominance in the tech sector. The new leadership team will have the responsibility of steering Apple through these exciting yet challenging times, ensuring the company continues to grow and innovate while maintaining its core values of inclusion and employee well-being.

As Apple undergoes these transitions, it remains to be seen how the company’s leadership will evolve and adapt to new challenges in the coming years. For now, all eyes are on the company as it navigates this period of change and prepares for the future.