Apple loses top talent: Multiple VPs exit tech giant annually
Apple Inc. is grappling with an exodus of its bigwigs, who are deserting the tech giant in droves.
The second half of 2022 saw Apple lose about a dozen high-ranking executives, who were mainly CEO Tim Cook's lieutenants, Bloomberg reported. The pack constituted vice presidents, which is just below the senior vice president level.
They were responsible for the day-to-day operation of many core functions, such as industrial design, the online store, information systems, Apple’s cloud efforts, aspects of hardware and software engineering, privacy matters, sales in emerging markets, subscription services, and procurement.
As many as 11 key executives have deserted the firm. Over past years, Apple lost one or two VPs per year in a similar fashion Ford Motor Co. faced in 2021.
The departure of a large number of top executives— whether they retired, were shunted out, or quit for a better job— is noticeable.
To stem the tide, Apple brought in a new chief people officer to take over duties held by retail boss Deirdre O’Brien and a new chief information officer to replace Mary Demby and David Smoley.
In most cases, Apple went for reshuffling and promoted people from within. The rejig saw online store VP Anna Matthiasson being replaced by a direct report, Karen Rasmussen. The responsibilities of Tony Blevins, who ran procurement, were taken off and handed over to his peer, Dan Rosckes, and a promoted direct report, David Tom.
The sales VP in charge of emerging markets, Hugues Asseman, split his role between India's managing director, Ashish Chowdhary, and Europe's senior director, Juan Castellanos.
Hardware executive Laura Legros’s duties were assigned to a peer, Yannick Bertolus, the Vice President of hardware integrity. His role was then assumed by Tom Marieb, a promoted direct report.
Two direct reports Jeremy Sandmel and David Biderman replaced Software VP, John Stauffer.
The role of services honcho Peter Stern was split between Apple Music VP Oliver Schusser, service design head Robert Kondrk and Corporate Development VP Adrian Perica.
Cloud Chief Michael Abbott’s role will be assumed by Jeff Robbin, Vice President of services engineering, starting in April.
