Carol Surface joined Apple in early 2023 after leaving Medtronic
Apple Inc. has confirmed the departure of its chief people officer, Carol Surface, after less than two years in the role.
Bloomberg reported that a spokesperson for Apple confirmed the leadership change, despite Surface's profile still being on the tech giant's website as of October 28.
Sources familiar with the situation tipped Bloomberg earlier this month about Surface's departure, which employees later confirmed after they were notified.
Surface, who reported to CEO Tim Cook, joined Apple in early 2023 from Medtronic, where she spent nearly a decade as executive vice president and chief human resources officer.
Part of her role was to support the "connection, development, and care for Apple's employees around the world," according to the tech giant's website.
"Her team oversees functions including talent development and Apple University, recruiting, employee relations and experience, benefits, compensation, and inclusion and diversity," it added.
Surface succeeded Deirdre O'Brien, who previously managed the team alongside the company's retail operations. Following Surface's exit, O'Brien will revert to her former position overseeing both departments.
Recent leadership changes at Apple
The recent changes extend beyond Surface's exit, as Apple's human resources division has experienced additional turnover, according to Bloomberg's report.
Apple's former head of diversity and inclusion left earlier this year, with Cynthia Bowman stepping in from Bank of America Corp. to fill that role.
Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri is also scheduled to step down from his current role at the end of the year, although he will continue with the company in a reduced capacity, overseeing functions including real estate and information systems.
Additionally, Dan Riccio, a veteran engineering executive responsible for the Vision Pro project, is set to retire this month. Other executives, including Dan Rosckes, head of procurement, and Matt Fischer, head of the App Store, are also leaving in the near future.
